Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Region

Wines

Zilliken Estate

Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany

As early as 1742 records show that ancestors of the Zilliken family were active as wine producers in both Saarburg and Ockfen. The status of the estate and the reputation of its wines were primarily the work of the Royal Prussian District Forester, Ferdinand Geltz (1851-1925). As an affirmation of his achievements, the estate still carries his name.

Geltz was survived by his two daughters, Antoinette and Ella, who inherited equal portions of the estate. Ella's daughter, Marianne Haring, married Fritz Zilliken. During World War II, the estates buildings and cellar were destroyed and the vineyards were badly damaged.

Through the efforts of Mrs. Zilliken, however, the estate was maintained in operating condition, which made possible its later rehabilitation. In 1976 Mr. Zilliken and his son succeeded in restoring the original estate to its former size after it had previously been partitioned through inheritances.

Maintenance of traditions and the high standards of the estate's bottled wines have had a strong influence on the work of Hans Joachim Zilliken. Mr. Zilliken has been the cellar master since 1976 and proprietor since 1981. The estate has the deepest cellar on the Saar, with three levels below ground, and the wines is fermented and matured in German oak under optimum aging conditions. The cellar stays naturally moist due to ground water entering through the walls. The natural humidity content is so high, that stalagtites are growing from the ceiling.

The estate comprises 26.5 acres with the following vineyard sites: Saarburger Rausch - 19 acres, Saarburger Antoniusbrunnen - 1 acre, Saarburger Bergschlösschen - 4 acres, Ockfener Bockstein - 2.5 acres.

All in all the estate is planted 100% to Riesling. Production is about 6,000 cases annually.

The Saarburger wines exhibit an interesting, subtle "dusty" terroir character when young and they are superbly balanced, with excellent aging potential. They are a classic complement to fresh fish, especially trout.

Vintages to look for from this estate are 1983, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2001.

The estate is a founding member of Der Grosse Ring and now a member of the VDP.