Stefan Vetter

No bullshit winemaking in Franconia (Franken)!

Stefan Vetter is a German winemaker with classic schooling from the University of Geisenheim and a broad experience from Australia, Mosel, South Africa and Austria. He is bold, biodynamic and a name to remember. His vineyards consist mostly of Sylvaner, with a small amount of Riesling, Müller-Thurgau and Pinot Noir.

Stefan Vetter has pushed the boundaries when it comes to quality wine from Sylvaner, the perhaps faulty underestimated grape variety, that he creates brilliant wines from in Gambach and a small parcel with old Sylvaner vines from 1958 in Casteller Kirchberg. Some compare with Chablis or Jura-style Chardonnay. The latest addition to his portfolio of beautiful wines, is the orange wine, also made from Sylvaner.

The winemaking is as honest as it is straight-forward. The grapes are harvested early, to sustain acidity and a clean expression, and then pressed and rested for 24 hours. Hereafter they are transferred to used oak casks (300-1200 L) and spontaneously fermented with indigenous yeasts. Lastly, the wines age 'on the lees' for one year - or more. The wines are natural, unfiltered and only a tiny amount of sulphur is added for stability.

He also works with Müller-Thurgau, this grape however is vilified with steel vats.