Introduction
Without Keller, there is no Daritana. Keller is not only our most important producer but the origin story of the project itself. Under Klaus-Peter (KP) and Julia Keller’s tenure, what was once a modest estate in Flörsheim-Dalsheim now represents the pinnacle of German dry Riesling. Limestone-rich parcels like Hubacker, Morstein, Kirchspiel, Abtserde, and the mythical G-Max have redefined Rheinhessen’s reputation. Today, Keller stands alongside Egon Müller at the very top of German wine.
My own journey with Keller began in 2017 after a chance email response from KP led me to harvest at the estate. The family’s generosity and KP’s mentorship have shaped my understanding of wine ever since. With Felix Keller now taking on more responsibility, there is a renewed energy – especially in Chardonnay and sparkling wines – ensuring continuity and creativity for the future.
As Jancis Robinson said: “Those wines are the German Montrachets.” Stephan Reinhardt reminds us of their scarcity: Keller’s wines are among the most sought-after in Germany, often near impossible to acquire without long-standing relationships. These are wines of conviction, clarity, and depth, firmly placing German wine among the finest in the world.
In the Vineyard
The vineyard always comes first at Keller. Precision and handwork define every decision – pruning, de-leafing, canopy adjustments, and late harvest timing. Fruit is rigorously sorted in both vineyard and cellar to ensure only pristine grapes remain. Viticulture here is inheritance and horizon: rooted in Hedwig Keller’s careful selection of cuttings, while pushing forward with high-density Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, revived historic sites like Am Schwarzen Herrgott, and experimental plantings for future climate challenges.
In the Cellar
The cellar philosophy is pragmatic, guided by feeling rather than rigid numbers. Non-intervention is the rule: oxidative pressing, basket pressing, indigenous fermentations, and long élevage. Pinot Noir vinifications emphasize finesse with gentle extraction and whole cluster use when suitable. Wines mature in stainless steel, large neutral oak, or small French oak (rarely more than 15% new). The goal is not to impose style, but to let terroir and vintage shape the outcome.
Style
Keller’s dry Rieslings are monuments to limestone and slate – crystalline, pure, and powerful yet weightless. Prädikat wines, especially Kabinett, reveal Riesling’s featherlight, filigreed side, always balanced and ageworthy. Sylvaner and Scheurebe show that no grape is secondary here, achieving poise and clarity under Keller’s discipline. Pinot Noirs aim for finesse over force, with KP calling them “red Kabinetts” – lucid, energetic, and precise.
Wines
Dalsheimer Bürgel Spätburgunder GG
Pinot Noir from clay over limestone soils, fermented in Stockinger vats, aged in used French oak.
Dalsheimer Frauenberg Spätburgunder GG
Pinot Noir from high, late-ripening limestone-clay slopes, planted with Burgundian selections. Aged in French oak with limited new wood.
Westhofener Morstein Spätburgunder GG
Pinot Noir planted on Riesling rootstocks in clay marl over limestone. Fermented in neutral vats, aged in French oak.
Mölsheimer Zellerweg am Schwarzen Herrgott Spätburgunder GG
Dense Pinot Noir planting (20,000–36,000 vines/ha) on chalk-loess terraces in Zellertal. First released in 2023.
G-Max Riesling
Keller’s most elusive Riesling, produced in tiny quantities from very old vines at ultra-low yields. Vineyard source undisclosed. Among the most sought-after wines in Germany.
Dalsheimer Oberer Hubacker Riesling GG
Historic limestone-rich vineyard bottled under its proper name again since 2021. Richer, powerful style.
Westhofener Brunnenhäuschen “Abts E” Riesling GG
From the historic Abtserde parcel, long associated with the Bishop of Worms. Lean, mineral, and slow to harmonize.
Westhofener Kirchspiel Riesling GG
East-southeast facing vineyard with calcareous soils. Includes the iron-rich “RR” sub-parcel.
Westhofener Morstein Riesling GG
Deep, weighty Riesling from limestone clay marl with 70-year-old rootstocks. One of Keller’s darkest, most powerful wines.
Niersteiner Pettenthal Riesling GG
Steep red slate slopes of the Roter Hang above the Rhine. Acquired in 2009.
Niersteiner Hipping Riesling GG
Historic red slate parcel, famously linked to Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation banquet. Acquired in 2009.
Piesporter Schubertslay Riesling
Steep Mosel terraces with ancient ungrafted vines. Leased since 2017. Primarily Kabinett-level wines.
Riesling Trocken
Entry-level dry Riesling from younger parcels across the estate.
Riesling Kabinett “Limestone”
Off-dry Kabinett from limestone soils, mainly Hubacker and Kirchspiel. Grand Cru quality at exceptional value.
Riesling “Von der Fels”
Dry Riesling from younger vines of GG sites. Now over 30 years old, essentially a baby GG.
Sylvaner “Feuervogel”
From old vines planted before 1945 on limestone soils. Rare and produced only in top vintages.
Sylvaner “vom Austernfels”
From a tiny 0.2 ha fossil-rich limestone parcel in Neu-Bamberg. Extremely limited production.
Weshoferner Morstein Scheurebe (La Borne)
Rare Scheurebe from 55-year-old vines in limestone marl. Also made in Kabinett style in special vintages.
Westhofener Steingrube Chardonnay Erste Lage
Chardonnay planted on old Pinot Gris rootstocks, limestone soils, and east-facing slopes. Classified Erste Lage since 2023.
Wachenheimer Rotenberg Chardonnay Erste Lage
Dense Burgundian Chardonnay planting on limestone-loess terraces. Small production.
Zeller Klosterstück Chardonnay Erste Lage
Chardonnay planted in Zellertal on limestone soils. Grafted onto old Riesling rootstocks.
Chardonnay “Talfels”
Chardonnay counterpart to Von der Fels, blending Keller’s top Chardonnay parcels.
Grande Cuvée Sekt Brut Nature
Traditional method sparkling, introduced in 2019. Edition-based release, often Chardonnay-driven with Pinot Noir and Meunier.