Soul of Franken in a Glass: Weingut Zehnthof Theo Luckert
For those who’re eager to explore the soul of German wines, look no further than Weingut Zehnthof Theo Luckert. It is an organic winery nestled in Sulzfeld, Germany, within the renowned Franken wine region. Managed by brothers Ulrich and Wolfgang, along with Wolfgang's son Philipp, the winery operates from a historic tithe house dating back to 1558. The Luckert family dedicates approximately 50% of their vineyard area to Silvaner, a grape variety emblematic of the region.
The Allure of Silvaner
Silvaner, or Sylvaner, is a distinguished grape in the Franken region known for its exceptional dry wines. It thrives in clay-limestone soils, which impart a unique minerality. With vibrant acidity and flavors of citrus, green apple, and floral notes, Franken Silvaners are full-bodied and refreshing. Their versatile profile makes them ideal for pairing with seafood, poultry, and creamy cheeses.
Uniquely, the Luckerts cultivate all four varieties of Silvaner: yellow, green, blue, and red—the only winery to do so! While Silvaner is their pride, their vineyards also host Pinot Blanc, Müller-Thurgau, Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Blanc, and red varieties like Pinot Noir, Domina, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Committed to organic farming (certified since 2009), their practices promote soil health, allowing the true essence of the terroir to shine through.
The winery employs spontaneous fermentation and aging on full yeast in traditional Spessart oak barrels, resulting in elegant wines with flavors of melon, quince, and pear, all supported by a delicate mineral backbone.
Zehnthof Luckert's wines are celebrated for their balance, finesse, and extraordinary texture, often compared to prestigious white Burgundies.
Notable wines we feature this time:
Creutz Sylvaner: The flagship wine, sourced from ungrafted vines planted in the 1870s, offers a unique tasting experience steeped in history. This vineyard consists of only about 600 vines, yielding approximately 350 bottles each year. Discovered by Ulrich Luckert just before the vines were to be uprooted in 2010, the wine undergoes natural and malolactic fermentation, aging on lees for seven months in 400-litre Spessart oak barrels. Vintages were subsequently praised as “Best Sylvaner of Germany” many times in recent years, noted for its complexity and elegance.
Maustal Grosses Gewachs Silvaner 2018: This wine showcases the minerality and elegance of its site. The Maustal vineyard, with barren limestone soils and a south-southeast orientation, features 60-year-old Silvaner vines that produce concentrated fruit. The 2018 vintage presents a cool, complex nose and a full-bodied palate with lush refinement and a long, salty finish.
Sulzfelder Silvaner Trocken 2019: An ideal entry-level wine for newcomers, it features a bright straw-yellow color and a clean profile of ripe apple, lemon, and subtle minerality. Full-bodied yet refreshingly crisp, it captures the essence of Silvaner in an approachable manner.
ENJOY 10% off discount on wines from Weingut Zehnthof Theo Luckert
Promotion period: until Sep 25, 2024
1/ Weingut Zehnthof Theo Luckert Sulzfelder Silvaner Trocken 2019 - Bt
(10% Off) HK$200 ▷ HK$180
The wine is sourced from yellow limestone in the prestigious Sulzfelder Sonnenberg vineyard. It undergoes spontaneous fermentation and is aged in large wooden barrels. Aromas of ripe apples, white peach and fresh lemon greet the nose, while the palate is clean and silky. The Luckert style emphasizes subtlety and finesse, with good concentration and a refreshing, mineral finish that lingers beautifully.
2/ Weingut Zehnthof Theo Luckert Maustal Grosses Gewachs Silvaner 2018 - Bt | RP93
(10% Off) HK$560 ▷ HK$504
The 2018 Silvaner Maustal GG is coolish and discreet on the complex and slightly flinty nose that also delivers more Assmann oak aromas than the other Silvaners. Full-bodied, intense and complex on the juicy palate, this is a lush, very refined and elegant as well as structured Sylvaner with a long and salty finish. It's still young and firm, with delicious richness but also finesse and stimulating, lingering salinity. Tasted in January 2020.
-93, Stephan Reinhardt, The Wine Advocate, May 2020
3/ Weingut Zehnthof Theo Luckert Creutz Sylvaner 2018 - Bt | RP95
(10% Off) HK$1380 ▷ HK$1242
From ungrafted vines planted in 1870 and vinified in 700-liter oak, the 2018 Sylvaner Creutz *** is a spectacular wine. Deep, pure and intense as well as refined and complex on the concentrated nose, with caramel and ginger aromas, this is a full-bodied and creamy, very nuanced, refined and elegant white with a long and complex, stimulatingly salty finish with very fine tannins and great mineral expression. This wine has remarkable finesse and spectacular length. A great wine. Tasted in January 2020.
-95, Stephan Reinhardt, May 2020 Week 1, The Wine Advocate, May 2020
4/ Weingut Zehnthof Theo Luckert Creutz Sylvaner 2018 - Mag | RP95
(10% Off) HK$2800 ▷ HK$2520
From ungrafted vines planted in 1870 and vinified in 700-liter oak, the 2018 Sylvaner Creutz *** is a spectacular wine. Deep, pure and intense as well as refined and complex on the concentrated nose, with caramel and ginger aromas, this is a full-bodied and creamy, very nuanced, refined and elegant white with a long and complex, stimulatingly salty finish with very fine tannins and great mineral expression. This wine has remarkable finesse and spectacular length. A great wine. Tasted in January 2020.
-95, Stephan Reinhardt, May 2020 Week 1, The Wine Advocate, May 2020
5/ Weingut Zehnthof Theo Luckert Creutz Sylvaner 2019 - Bt | RP93+
(10% Off) HK$1380 ▷ HK$1242
Luckert's ultra-rare 2019 Sylvaner Creutz *** comes from 149-year-old vines and opens with a remarkably fine, pure, flinty and elegant nose of ripe fruits. Intense and quite powerful on the palate, this is a juicy Sylvaner with fine tannins and good grip. However, the 2019 tastes sweeter than former vintages at this early stage. Tasted in May 2020.
-93+, Stephan Reinhardt, August 2020 Week 2, The Wine Advocate, August 2020
Promotion period: until Sep 25, 2024
In stock now, and offered subject to final confirmation and remaining unsold. E. & O. E.
HK Local delivery is free for purchases at or over HK$1,500 on wines and Jancis Robinson Wine Glasses. Otherwise there is a HK$100 charge for orders below HK$1,500. A surcharge will be added to orders delivering to Discovery Bay, Ma Wan and Airport.