Bertram Baltes
Bertram-Baltes embodies a harmonious blend of sustainability, craftsmanship, and a profound respect for the unique terroir of the Ahr Valley.
Under the stewardship of Julia and Benedikt Baltes, this family-run estate has adopted certified organic practices, including permaculture, biodiversity-focused farming, and the elimination of plastics in vineyard operations.
Old vines are preserved alongside innovative techniques like planting trees and using grazing sheep for vegetation management and soil fertilization. Julia’s dedication to the steep, slate-dominant vineyards of the Ahr—some untouched by reorganization—reflects a meticulous approach to terroir. With sites like Rosenthal, Schieferlay, and Goldkaul offering diverse soils from greywacke to slate, each parcel reveals Spätburgunder’s multifaceted expression. From truncated canopies to encourage freshness in warming vintages to spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts, every stage of farming and winemaking is deeply attuned to nature. These efforts ensure vibrant biodiversity, a connection to the vines, and wines that authentically reflect their origins.
The wines of Bertram-Baltes are a testament to the precision and artistry of Julia and Benedikt’s shared philosophy.
Crafted exclusively from Spätburgunder, they prioritize elegance, complexity, and a sense of place. Grapes are handpicked from low-yielding vines, spontaneously fermented in open vats, and aged in locally sourced oak casks. Each wine captures the Ahr Valley’s distinctive terroir, with its cool climate and slate-rich soils lending a hallmark minerality, finesse, and fresh acidity. The wines, bottled unfined and unfiltered, range from the vibrant and approachable Handwerk bottling, aged six months on fine lees in stainless steel, to single-vineyard expressions showcasing the individuality of premier and grand cru sites. Julia and Benedikt’s passion for Spätburgunder—complemented by their respect for nature and commitment to sustainability—results in singular wines celebrated for their purity, clarity, and exceptional longevity.