“Why Not?” – A Motto That Guarantees Success

Back in the 1980s, Stefan Rumpf, the family patriarch, made a bold move: planting Chardonnay in the Nahe, a first for the region. Crazy? Maybe. Successful? Absolutely. This “why not?” mindset runs like a red thread through the estate’s history. From introducing Blanc de Noir in the ’90s to reviving large wooden barrels, Kruger-Rumpf doesn’t experiment for the sake of being different but to push boundaries and improve.

Sitting in the tasting room with Georg Rumpf and his wife Julia, it became clear that wine is their lifeblood. Georg’s eyes light up when he talks about soils, microclimates, and spontaneous fermentation. This isn’t empty enthusiasm but the deep knowledge of a winemaker who knows every inch of his vineyards—from the mineral-driven austerity of the Im Pitterberg to the powerful warmth of the Scharlachberg.

Truth in the Glass

A personal highlight? Hard to choose, as every glass tells its own story. The 2023 Im Pitterberg Riesling GG stunned me with its crystalline precision—slate in its purest, liquid form. The Burgberg Riesling brought electrifying energy that nearly knocked me out of my chair. And then there’s the Scharlachberg: Riesling with a red soul, thanks to iron-rich soils and a site steeped in history.

But it’s not just Riesling that Georg masters. His unfiltered Spätburgunder, delicately balanced between fruit and wood, was a revelation. In a region where the bar is already set high, Kruger-Rumpf doesn’t just keep up—they set new standards.

Touring the Vineyards

After the tasting, I joined Stefan Rumpf in his SUV for a vineyard tour. “This is where it all started,” he said as we drove through the steep terraces of the Langenberg. Here, it’s clear: winemaking is hard work. The sheep grazing between the vines aren’t a marketing gimmick but part of a carefully designed system that marries sustainability with quality.

Stefan spoke with a mix of pride and humility about the estate’s transformation—from supplying bulk wine to becoming an internationally renowned top-tier winery. “It’s always about taking the next step,” he said as we passed the old vines of the Abtei vineyard. “But without forgetting where we came from.”

The Grand Cru Vineyards:
Im Pitterberg, Burgberg, Scharlachberg, and Dautenpflänzer

The grand cru sites of Kruger-Rumpf are more than iconic names—they are the winery’s beating heart, each with its own story.

• Im Pitterberg: Known for precision and finesse, the slate-rich soils lend the wines remarkable minerality and clarity. The 2022 Riesling GG from this site is like a liquid diamond—crystal-clear, precise, and breathtakingly elegant.
• Burgberg: Dominated by quartzite, this site produces wines with vibrant, almost electric energy. The Riesling from Burgberg shines with delicate fruit and a lively, balanced acidity—a wine that pulses with vitality.
• Scharlachberg: Iron-rich soils and a south-facing aspect make this vineyard exceptional. The Rieslings here are deeply complex, with a velvety texture and a mystical, spicy depth. The “red” character of the soil is beautifully reflected in the glass.
• Dautenpflänzer: One of the smallest sites in the region but with immense impact. A combination of clay slate and quartzite creates powerful yet elegant wines with incredible depth. Every sip lingers long after the glass is empty.

Then there’s the Erste Lage Abtei, a historic gem with nearly forgotten old vines. The wines from this site balance tradition and complexity, with herbal notes and remarkable length. Stefan Rumpf calls this vineyard the “soul of the estate,” and I couldn’t agree more. The Abtei wines radiate character. Since 2018, Georg has been crafting the “1937” here, a wine that remains under the radar but is brimming with untapped potential.

I had the privilege of tasting through the entire range. Stefan and Georg were incredibly generous, even opening some older vintages.

GROSSER STROM – A Wine of Origin and Identity

One wine that truly stuck with me was the 2021 GROSSER STROM. This Riesling combines the strengths of two exceptional vineyards: Scharlachberg and Im Pitterberg. As early as the 19th century, batches from these sites were blended in a single large oak barrel to create a wine that embodied the best of both soils. This tradition continues today—with stunning results.

The power and richness of the Scharlachberg’s red slate meet the precision and herbal nuances of the Pitterberg’s blue slate. The outcome? A wine of immense tension, full-bodied yet refreshingly vibrant. GROSSER STROM isn’t just a great Riesling; it’s a statement—a testament to the Nahe’s potential on both sides of the river.

Not a Winery for the Average

Kruger-Rumpf is not a winery for the masses—and that’s a good thing. This is not a place of production; it’s a place of creation. Every wine bears the unmistakable signature of Georg and Stefan Rumpf, and you can feel it in every sip. My visit didn’t just deliver fantastic wines; it also reaffirmed my belief that tradition and innovation are not mutually exclusive.

What did surprise me, however, is that Kruger-Rumpf still seems to fly somewhat under the radar—at least in my wine circle. In my opinion, these wines deserve far more recognition in the fine wine world. If you truly want to understand what makes the Nahe and the Binger Eck so special, you simply can’t overlook Kruger-Rumpf.