Fürst von Metternich Sektkellerei GmbH
From imperial gift to Germany’s leading premium brand
Domain Johannisberg – a reward for faithful service
As a token of his appreciation for the work of chancellor Clemens Wenzeslaus Lothar von Metternich-Winneburg during the Congress of Vienna, emperor Francis I of Austria presents the aristocrat with the Domain Johannisberg in the Rheingau region located along the Rhine, west of Wiesbaden. The emporer’s gift is very special: the cultivation of vines in Johannisberg has a history dating back to 817 and the wonderful topography of the region is ideal for producing Riesling wines of outstanding quality. The development of Spätlese (lateharvest) wines in 1775 and subsequently of Auslese wines gives Johannisberg a stellar reputation among wine connoisseurs around the world. Von Metternich knows how to make the most of his gift, and he invests time and energy in maintaining and fostering wine cultivation at the Château.
Exquisite Rieslings for sparkling wines
High-quality wines are used in the production of sparkling wine for the first time in 1864, and innovation is started by wine expert and owner of Rheingauer Schaumweinfabrik Johann Jacob Söhnlein. Söhnlein believes that the Rhenish Riesling grape is the “queen of vines”, and he recognises that due to its mineral content and acidity, it is particularly suitable for the production of sparkling wine and stands out from Champagne as regards taste but on an equal quality level. A contract secures Söhnlein’s access to the highquality base wine and in 1867 wins the gold medal at the Paris Exhibition with his sparkling wine made from Johannisberg Riesling. In 1925 Söhnlein’s sparkling wine company acquires the right to use the image used on the Johannisberg wine labels, and adds the name of the von Metternich family. This marks the rise of the Fürst von Metternich brand, which has existed as a cuvée since 1864.
Germany’s leading premium brand
After the castle at Johannisberg is destroyed in World War II, the complex is rebuilt and von Metternich’s grandsons continue to manage the estate. Fürst von Metternich Riesling Sekt is launched in 1971 for the food and entertainment industry, and it later appears on store shelves for sale to the wider public. Since then, the portrait of Fürst von Metternich by English painter Thomas Lawrence has graced the brand’s label. For decades, Fürst von Metternich has retained its position as Germany’s leading premium sparkling wine brand. The addition of the Fürst von Metternich Rosé variety to the range in 2007 represents the company’s response to ongoing developments in the sparkling wine market.
