On the volcanic slopes of the Kaiserstuhl, where vineyards meet the edge of the Black Forest in southwest Germany, the Höfflin family has been farming organically since 1974. Today, it is Julius Höfflin who brings fresh energy to the domaine. After studying viticulture and working in Burgundy and the Jura, he returned home with a vision of wines that are as alive and expressive as the landscapes around them. Agroforestry is central to his philosophy, with trees planted among the vines to foster biodiversity and balance, a reminder that his grapes are part of a wider ecosystem.

From just a single hectare, Julius crafts small-volume cuvées with spontaneous fermentations, long lees aging, and minimal intervention. Each bears the imprint of volcanic soils and the cool forested sites of Baden, yet carries his own signature: reds of precision and lift, whites of texture and depth, and skin-contact wines that pulse with aromatic intensity. In a region best known for powerful spätburgunder, Julius is charting his own path, making wines that feel both rooted in place and new in vision.

From a windswept site at 340 meters that benefits from generous evening sun, Julius Höfflin crafts a sauvignon blanc unlike any other in Germany. Farmed organically with careful leaf removal to expose the fruit for optimal ripening, the grapes were de-stemmed and crushed, then left for a two-week maceration and spontaneous fermentation on the skins. The wine aged for 24 months in used 500L barrels, bottled by hand without fining, filtration, or added sulfur.

The result is strikingly complex: an aromatic burst of passion fruit and tropical lift is grounded by subtle notes of buttermilk, herbs, and mineral spice. On the palate, it is layered and textural, the skin contact lending grip and depth while preserving clarity and freshness. Long and multifaceted, the 2022 sauvignon blanc shows both craftsmanship and daring, a wine that will intrigue seasoned drinkers and captivate newcomers alike.