Lukas Krauss, Rotes Landschwein, Germany 2022

In 1988, in a pocket of the Pfalz that is better known for cabbage fields than sprawling vineyards, Harald Krauss converted his family’s mixed agriculture business into a winery. Little did he know that the true winemaker in the family would be his son Lukas, putting the Krauss name on the map years later.

From a very young age Lukas worked in the vineyard for pocket money and made his own first wine at the age of 18. His unconventional, youthful style brought him attention and recognition early on. 

Lukas, who calls himself ”Mann mit Hut” (man with a hat), farms his 25-acres of Scheurebe, Silvaner, Blaufränkisch, Dornfelder and more organically and will only take his signature hat off to switch it for a beanie during pruning in the cold winter months. 

His work in the cellar is thoughtful, but minimal. Native fermentation, no filtration or fining and most wines are bottled without any additions, incl. sulfur. The resulting wines are joyful, refreshing and simply delicious.