Embarking on a unique challenge, NexTerra partnered with a renowned German supplier to create a distinctive German white wine, responding to a request from a significant customer. This collaboration led us to explore the heart of Germany's wine country, where we developed a blend that captures the essence of the region's viticultural traditions. Exported as bulk and bottled in our facility, this venture highlights NexTerra's capability to deliver exceptional wine experiences. We're excited to share the story of sourcing this exceptional wine.
Rheinhessen and Pfalz, the largest wine-growing regions in Germany, together cover an expansive 49,500 hectares (122,317 acres). Among the thirteen official German wine appellations, Baden stands out as the third largest, with about 15,800 hectares (39,000 acres) under vine. Despite its size, bulk wine exports from Baden beyond the EU borders are notably rare, highlighting the uniqueness of this project for both NexTerra and our supplier partners.
Baden's distinctive geographic position as the southernmost wine region in Germany, flanked by the protective Vosges mountains and the Odenwald hills of the Schwarzwald (Black Forest), gifts it with the warmest and sunniest climate in the country. This unique setting fosters extreme microclimates, characterized by constant air movement across the steep slopes, enhancing the terroir and the complexity of the wines produced here.
The region is renowned for its deep-rooted traditions, exceptional products, and a rich tapestry of folklore, with tales of the Schwarzwald Hexen (Black Forest Witches) adding a mystic allure to the scenic landscape. This cultural heritage is echoed in the Holzfass, the large wooden barrels used during the wine's maturation phase, symbolizing the harmonious blend of tradition and quality.
Reflecting on the journey across oceans and continents, the transit period offers a moment to contemplate the remarkable synergy of winemaking, partnerships, and logistics that culminated in this venture. As we prepare to bottle this wine, we look forward to sharing the story and the distinct flavors of the Baden region with wine aficionados across the United States, inviting them to savor a taste of Germany's venerated wine culture.