Introduction
Jan WongAmat’s path to wine was anything but traditional. Raised in Bonn and later Siefersheim, he first pursued gastronomy and sommelier work before traveling through Thailand, his mother’s homeland, where his appreciation deepened. By 2016 he was interning at Emrich-Schönleber, followed by work with Felix Keller at Weingut Keller. Studies at Geisenheim, time abroad in South Africa, and his marriage into the Raumland family all shaped his craft.
In 2019, Jan founded WongAmat, a project that honors his Thai lineage and embodies precision, elegance, and connection. Just five vintages in, he is already regarded as one of Germany’s most exciting new winemakers, producing exceptional Pinot Noirs and limited Chardonnay. His wines are detailed, structured, and pure – restraint over force, nuance over power.
In the Vineyard
Jan farms organically (though uncertified), blending principles of regenerative agriculture, biodynamics, and agroforestry. His viticulture is flexible and observation-driven, always prioritizing vine health and ecosystem balance. Vineyards stand taller than regional norms, with green rows for biodiversity and carefully managed canopy height (~70 cm) to reduce transpiration and deepen extract. In cooler vintages, he adapts by wrapping shoots or allowing higher canopy for assimilation. All grapes are harvested by hand.
In the Cellar
Spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts is standard. Reds are crafted for purity, avoiding reductive techniques, while whites embrace reduction for coiled energy. Barrel selection is meticulous – supporting rather than dominating fruit expression. Sulfur use is minimal, preserving vibrancy and precision. Each vintage is approached without formula, but always with restraint and clarity.
Style
WongAmat wines are defined by purity, elegance, and nuance. They are filigreed and precise, with acidity and structure at the forefront. Place takes precedence over technique, delivering wines that are detailed, restrained, and timeless.
Wines
Euphancholie Cuvée No. 1
Solera-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir. Each year ~30% is bottled, with the rest replenished by the latest vintage. Base fruit comes from old Cabernet Sauvignon in Kriegsheimer Rosengarten and Pinot Noir from Bürgel and Rosengarten. Current blend integrates 2020–2022.
Untertürkheimer Herzogenberg Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc planted on gypsum-rich Keuper soils. Destemmed, fermented in stainless for ~10 days, then aged 14 months in barrique. Rare bottling.
Kriegsheimer Rosengarten Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir from a south-facing “Große Lage” site with gravel and iron-rich soils. Vines 20+ years old. ~30% whole bunch, fermented separately in stainless, then aged 14 months in barrique. ≤1500 bottles annually.
Dalsheimer Bürgel Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir from east-facing limestone-clay “Große Lage” site. ~30% whole bunch, fermented separately in stainless, then aged 14 months in barrique. ≤1000 bottles annually.