This is the motto of the winery. Niederhausen, the small village on the Nahe, is surrounded by steep slopes that were formed millions of years ago by volcanoes and, with gradients of up to 70%, offer the best conditions for ambitious viticulture.
The great variety of soils and what the Riesling makes of it in terms of individual wines
Gloria Marthern, who is running the 12-hectare winery together with her son Henning: “Here in the Nahe region we have an incomparable variety of soil. Up to 50 different types of soil can be found in a small space, almost all of which are ideal for viticulture. This leads to very individual wines, which we produce from small plots.” It is well known that Riesling, which makes up 70% of the Mathern winery, reacts particularly strongly to the soil and allows individual wines to grow, the flavor characteristics of which son Henning is working out particularly. Gloria: "That's why we offer 20 to 25 individual Rieslings every year, depending on the location and soil. In addition to Riesling, other grape varieties such as Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir or Cabernet Blanc also belong to the portfolio.
152 / 5.000 Übersetzungsergebnisse The Nahe arc between Oberhausen and Niederhausen (rear right) with the 'Große Lage' Hermannshöhle in the middle. Photo: Thomas Riebesehl - Adobe Stock
A number of the sites, in which the Mathern winery owns, are classified as "Grosse Lage" or "Erste Lage" by the "VDP.Die Prädikatsweingüter" association. Gloria is particularly proud that they also have a parcel in the famous "Grosse Lage" near "Hermannshöhle" is represented: "Fortunately, we were able to purchase a plot there a few years ago, where today up to 100 euros per square meter are paid, for agricultural land an outrageous price!"
Gloria Mathern was forced to take over the estate and showed great skill.
Weingut Mathern's door in Niederhausen/NaheView of Niederhausen, in front a tip of the Hermannshöhle site, in the middle the Klamm site, both classified as 'Grosse Lage'. Photo: Reiner Adobestock
Helmut Mathern, who ran the winery, which was founded in 1907, was named "Discovery of the Year 1997" by the renowned wine guide "Gault Millau". Many other awards followed. At his sudden death in 2002, the estate Mathern was survived by his young wife Gloria, infant daughter Luisa, and infant son Henning. Gloria Mathern took over the winery and is now producing excellent wines together with her son Henning and a young, ambitious team. You can find quite a few in our bonvinitas wine guide.
The historical family house of the estate MathernHenning Mathern, Weingut Mathern
Son Henning Mathern is now fully involved
In 2020, Henning Mathern took over overall responsibility for the properties, care, and management of the 12 hectares of vines. From the 2021 vintage, he is also be the sole cellar master. He is also completing his studies in viticulture and oenology at Geisenheim University, one of the most renowned universities in the field of wine. Added to this is the experience he gained during his training in world-famous (Riesling) wineries and various internships at home and abroad.
Text: Dieter Simon, publisher and editor-in-chief of bonvinitas. Photos as indicated, others: PR