Holger Herbst Viticulture
The demanding wine philosopher
Region : Zurich wine country
Owner : Holger Herbst
Cultivated area : approx. 1.4 hectares
Total production : 4000 to 6000 bottles per year
Number of grape varieties : 4
Locations : Schiterberg, Trüllikon and Truttikon
Holger Herbst is not the punk or rock star among the up-and-coming Swiss small producers, but rather the intellectual and experienced wine philosopher . An important cornerstone for the fascinating wines is its character, which never allows you to sit back in comfortable contentment in its wine heaven. This drives him to achieve top performance, like a perpetual motion machine, nothing stands still in his life and you can experience his drive for perfectionism with all your senses in every glass of wine.
Holger got really serious about wine in 2006 when he leased a plot of Pinot Noir on the famous, sunny Schiterberg , the area of his youth. Years later they were joined by Grüner Veltliner in Trüllikon and other small areas of Pinot Noir , Müller-Thurgau and Pinot Blanc in Truttikon.
Today Holger's wine dream includes four different grape varieties from which eight different wines are created. The great example of Burgundy comes into its own and I am convinced that you have to go a long way to find a producer with a more confident style . The Pinot Noir from Schiterberg and Truttikon is characterized by its variety of spicy fruit aromas and considerable body, without the aging in 400 liter wooden barrels extracting too many tannins. For the Pinot Noir Barrique, only the best grapes from Schiterberg are aged in French and Marthaler oak for 18 months. The result is a complex, full-bodied wine for sensual moments.
When it comes to whites, I would particularly like to mention the Grüner Veltliner , with which Holger strengthens his reputation and which can be described as a true Swiss rarity . The typical flavors of pepper, citrus fruits or peach are supported by an invigorating acidity and a crisp aftertaste and can be stored for several years. Afterwards, a new world opens up to you, which is best immersed in while philosophizing about wine with your favorite people.
