Weingut 5 – Finest Pinot Noir with a Sustainable Commitment

Founded in 2005, Weingut 5 Balzer & Hansel GbR is entirely dedicated to Pinot Noir. The estate produces two exceptional wines that impress with their expression, minerality, and finesse: Rüdesheimer Berg Kaisersteinfels (bksf) and Assmannshäuser Frankenthal (ft).

Sustainability and Traditional Viticulture

The estate follows biodynamic principles. The steep-slope vineyards are cultivated exclusively by hand, without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Only preparations permitted in certified organic viticulture are used.

The goal is to create wines that authentically reflect the character of the soil and region while also protecting the environment through sustainable practices.

Location and Vineyards

In Rüdesheim, it is well known that Charlemagne was the first to recognize the potential of the Rheingau as a winegrowing region. The Berg Kaisersteinfels site, presumably the oldest in the Rheingau, is likely dedicated to him, as he once cultivated the Orleans grape variety there. The bedrock here consists of quartzite with slate deposits.

Many of these steep terraced vineyards were abandoned years ago, as manual cultivation was no longer profitable for local vintners. We acquired, cleared, and replanted these sites.

The Pinot Noir vines were planted between 2009 and 2012, sourced from the renowned French nursery Pépinières Guillaume:

• 2009: Dijon clones 777 and 667

• 2010: Fin and Très Fin from Clos de Vougeot, Dijon clone 943

• 2012: Sélection massale Très Fin
  All grafted onto 3309C rootstock from Coderc.

The Assmannshäuser Frankenthal vineyards are also organically farmed and consist of an old plot with vines around 60 years old and a new planting from 2011, with 2,000 Burgundy vines (Dijon clones 777 and 828) also grafted onto 3309C rootstock from Pépinières Guillaume.

These sites offer optimal conditions for expressive, mineral-driven Pinot Noir wines.

Production and Vinification

Harvesting is done exclusively by hand to ensure only perfectly ripe, healthy grapes are selected. The grapes are transported to the winery in Frankfurt in refrigerated trucks at a maximum of 5°C. There, they are immediately destemmed and fermented in 600-liter rolling vinificators.

After a 2–3 day cold maceration at around 5°C, fermentation begins slowly under controlled temperatures, with regular punch-downs to preserve the fruit and finesse of the Pinot Noir. The maceration period lasts about 14 days.

The wines are then gently pressed with a hydro press and transferred into barriques or 600-liter wooden barrels, depending on quality. Barrel aging lasts between 14 and 16 months.

Afterward, the wines are sometimes racked into stainless steel tanks for settling and are mostly bottled unfiltered.

Awards and Quality

Our Pinot Noir wines have received high praise from experts, including 95+ points from Falstaff for the bksf22. They are known for their minerality, elegance, and aging potential – yet are already impressive in their youth.

Conclusion

Weingut 5 stands for sustainable viticulture and a distinctive Pinot Noir that reflects its terroir with authenticity. By focusing on just two wines, we can ensure a clear commitment to top-tier quality that excites critics and wine lovers alike. A true gem for those who appreciate Pinot Noir in its purest form.