Johannes Leitz was born in 1964 in Rüdesheim am Rhein. His grandfather, Josef Leitz, rebuilt the winery after its destruction in the Second World War. After his grandfather’s death, Johannes’ father briefly took over the estate, but passed away when Johannes was only 14 months old. His mother kept the winery alive as a part-time operation until Johannes assumed responsibility in 1985, after completing his training as a master vintner, with just 2.9 hectares of vineyards.
Today, the Leitz wine estate ranks among the leading producers in the Rheingau. The vineyard area comprises around 90 hectares throughout the Rheingau, plus an additional 18 hectares of steep-slope vineyards in Rüdesheim am Rhein. Wines by Johannes Leitz are sought after worldwide – in addition to Germany, key markets include Norway, Sweden, England, the United States, and more than 30 other countries.
Despite this growth, quality remains the highest priority. In particular, the top dry wines from the sites BERG SCHLOSSBERG, BERG ROTTLAND, BERG ROSENECK, and BERG KAISERSTEINFELS are considered among the very best in their category. They bear the unmistakable signature of Johannes Leitz and authentically reflect the terroir of the Rüdesheimer Berg.
Since the construction of the new winery in 2012, the estate has combined state-of-the-art technology with traditional craftsmanship. In the cellar, stainless steel tanks and wooden barrels ensure precise fermentation and natural maturation, while in the historic part of the estate, wooden casks up to 60 years old give the most valuable wines additional depth. Gentle handling and sustainability are top priorities: on sunny days, a photovoltaic system covers the entire energy demand of the operation, underlining its environmentally responsible philosophy.
The MAGIC MOUNTAIN is our characterful Riesling from the steep slopes of the Rüdesheimer Berg and is rightly considered the “second wine of our Grands Crus.” On the nose, it displays cool, slightly smoky minerality with aromas of lime zest, nectarine, and pear. Spicy yeast notes and subtly bitter herbs such as sage and rosemary underscore its depth and expressiveness. On the palate, it presents itself as powerful and concentrated, with precise acidity, mineral tension, and a creamy texture, shaped by extended lees aging. A saline finish lends the wine freshness and length. This multifaceted Riesling possesses expression, structure, and remarkable aging potential.
