Weingut Martin Schwarz (Sachsen) and Weingut Böhme und Töchter (Saale Unstrut) Newest Members of the VDP, the Association of about 200 Elite Winemakers in Germany

VDP: What is so special about your winery?

Sandro Sperk: "A great wine does not grow just anywhere". – At the end of our years of wandering, we realised: It's still best at home - that's where we belong, that's where we are needed. Our family has been making wine in Gleina since 1986 - and that is why Gleina remains the centre of our work. This is where we live, this is where we press our wine. But the place where our greatest growths mature is the Freyburger Schweigenberg (single vineyard site Freyburger Edelacker). With soils of mineral-rich shell limestone and its steep southern exposure, this mountain is made for the grape varieties that are close to our hearts: Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Noir. Here they are at their best.

VDP: What is your winery philosophy?

Sandro Sperk: "The region is in the nature of our wines."– We are curious and want to explore the potential of the Saale-Unstrut region and our vineyards. Because great things can be created through respectful treatment of our nature and manual labour. Böhme & Töchter stands for honest character wines from classic grape varieties and a down-to-earth approach to the craft. The small winery always has its finger on the pulse of the times and leads the way in the community.

VDP: For what wine style do you strive?

Marika Sperk: We value tradition. In addition to working with steel tanks, in the cellar we rely more and more on long maceration periods, spontaneous fermentation, oak barrels - and on our gut feeling. This is rewarded with wines that tell of the microclimate and the soils of our vineyards, and which are a pleasure to drink again. Saale-Unstrut stands for grape variety diversity. Personally, however, we are particularly fond of Burgundy, especially Chardonnay.

VDP: Which of your wines would you recommend to someone who does not yet know your winery – as an introduction, so to speak?

Marika Sperk: Our Weißburgunder Ortswein is the perfect "Böhme & Töchter for beginners". A classic Burgundy from Saale-Unstrut: dry, taut and straightforward, paired with fresh chalky minerality and lots of drinking pleasure.

VDP: Of which wine are you particularly proud?

Sandro Sperk: To our Chardonnay from the Freyburger Schweigenberg. With determination and pioneering spirit, we planted the grape variety for the first time in this challenging steep slope in 2008. Since then, we have enjoyed the potential and positive development of the vines with each new vintage. The wine brings the complexity of the site and the terroir to the glass in a special way.

VDP: Why did you become a vintner?

Marika & Sandro Sperk: In principle, wine has always been a family affair and thus a formative part of our lives. We also feel a strong connection to our homeland. During our professional training in Geisenheim, we recognised the high value of the Saale-Unstrut wine region and our small family winery. Gleina is a diamond in the rough and we see it as our task to further develop the winery and the vineyards through new ideas - with family ties that support us in the process.

VDP: Do you have role models or mentors?

Marika & Sandro Sperk: By nature, we are very curious and enjoy moving forward. However, for every innovation of our own, we also need inspiration. Through the cooperation and constructive exchange with our colleagues from Breitengrad51 over the past years, we have received many impulses and have been able to further sharpen our profile.

VDP: What are your next goals?

Marika Sperk: The careful further development of the winery. In the next few years, this will primarily involve the renovation of the 4-side farm in Gleina and the preservation and promotion of the steep terrace culture in the Saale-Unstrut region.

VDP: Why should people still visit your winery?

Sandro Sperk: Viticulture, culture and history are certainly the most formative building blocks of the Saale-Unstrut region. They are very multifaceted and tangible everywhere. But it is not only that. For us, it is rather the small things that make this region an exciting place. These include, among other things, the special punch of people, the diverse winegrowing businesses or the varied nature, which you should definitely get to know.

VDP: How do you combine tradition and innovation?

Marika Sperk: For us, both belong inseparably together. We like to rely on the tried and tested and experience of the two previous generations and combine these with new ideas and technologies.