Heitlinger

Heitlinger Winery – Kraichgau terroir meets biodynamic consistency

There are wineries that are known for their publicity. And there are wineries that are known because their wines speak for themselves. Heitlinger from Östringen-Tiefenbach in the Kraichgau region belongs to the latter category. Since its founding in 1960 by Albert Heitlinger, the winery has undergone a remarkable development – ​​from a regional winery to one of the most compelling names in German winemaking.

The decisive step towards the top was taken by Erhard Heitlinger , who assumed responsibility in 1972 and systematically developed the winery throughout the 1980s. As one of the first German winemakers, he focused on aging red and white wines in barriques and producing cuvées – at the time still exceptional in Germany. After several changes of ownership, the winery is now run by brothers Philip and Patrick Jacklin , who inherited it from their grandfather Heinz Heiler, who passed away in 2024 .

Claus Burmeister – Craftsmanship, Attitude, Biodynamics

The driving force behind Heitlinger is Claus Burmeister , a graduate in viticulture and business management and managing director of both wineries. Since 2009 , he has also been responsible for Heitlinger – and has since steered the business in a clearly defined direction: close to nature, close to the terroir. Burmeister works according to organic and biodynamic principles, and follows the lunar calendar . In 2023, the first Demeter-certified harvest was finally achieved – a milestone, as the Demeter guidelines go far beyond the requirements of the EU organic regulation.

In the Heitlinger vineyard , sheep, drones, robots, and humans work hand in hand – an image that aptly describes the combination of tradition and modern precision. In the cellar, Burmeister relies exclusively on hand-harvesting with multiple passes and cold maceration of up to six days , during which the skins and juice remain in contact under refrigeration. The result: wines with pronounced aromatic depth, a distinct terroir, and genuine aging potential.

He aptly summarizes his credo himself: "Wine should carry the true magic of a place to the nose and palate." Accordingly, Heitlinger has been a member of the VDP (Association of German Prädikat Wine Estates) since 2012 and is also a member of the Slow Food association.

Region and terroir: The Kraichgau as Burgundy's home

The Kraichgau is one of Germany's most exciting and yet underrated wine regions. As early as the 12th century, Cistercian monks recognized the quality of the limestone-rich hills – and they were absolutely right. Heitlinger's vineyard sites in Tiefenbach, Eichelberg, Odenheim, and Hilsbach offer a wide range of limestone sedimentary soils : from white, violet, and red calcareous marl to variegated marl and Stuben sandstone. Burgundy varieties thrive here just as they do in their French homeland – it's no coincidence that more than 80% of the vineyard area is planted with Pinot Noir.

Together with its sister winery Burg Ravensburg in Sulzfeld, acquired in 2010, Heitlinger cultivates a total area of ​​over 110 hectares – making the group one of the largest organic wine producers in Germany . Since 2012 , the grapes from both estates have been vinified in the shared winery building in Tiefenbach.

The VDP (Association of German Prädikat Wine Estates) has classified the outstanding vineyard sites: The VDP Grosses Gewächs (Grand Cru) vineyards include Eichelberg, Schellenbrunnen/Wormsberg, Königsbecher, Spiegelberg, and Heinberg. The Wormsberg Pinot Noir VDP.Grosses Gewächs is considered the estate's flagship red wine. Burmeister is also involved beyond the region: In 2015, he initiated the "White Burgundy Charter" together with 15 regional wineries to raise awareness of the Kraichgau region as a White Burgundy producer.

GaultMillau rates Heitlinger with 4 grapes – equivalent to top German wines. Approximately 580,000 bottles are produced annually.

The Heitlinger range at Vinoscout

At Vinoscout you will find a carefully curated selection from the Heitlinger range, reflecting the full stylistic breadth of the winery:

• Heitlinger Auxerrois dry – a Kraichgau specialty that Heitlinger masters like no other winery.
• Heitlinger Pinot Gris dry – juicy, structured, Burgundian in character
• Heitlinger Pinot Blanc – straightforward and fresh from a limestone terroir
• Heitlinger White dry – the accessible entry-level cuvée for those new to white wine.
• Heitlinger Rosé dry – lively and precise, ideal for uncomplicated moments of enjoyment.
• Heitlinger Sekt Blanc de Noir Brut – a VDP-classified sparkling wine made from Pinot grapes that clearly reflects its origin.

Prices at Vinoscout range from 7.95 to 31.95 EUR – from everyday entry-level wines to convincing quality wines from one of the most exciting Burgundy regions in Germany.