As a young winemaker in the 1970s, Clemens Busch was already challenging conventional practices, advocating for organic and biodynamic viticulture by questioning the use of herbicides and minimizing sulphur in his wines. When he and his wife, Rita, inherited his family’s winery and vineyards in 1984, they seized the opportunity to bring these principles to life.
The heart of their production lies in the Pündericher Marienburg, a southwest-facing hillside vineyard in the Lower Mosel. Initially inheriting just two hectares, they have gradually expanded by acquiring adjoining plots, now owning 16 of the 25 hectares that make up the Marienburg einzellage.
The Mosel’s geology is complex, with the winding river creating diverse vineyard exposures. Clemens vinifies and bottles each parcel separately, highlighting the distinct terroirs. His Vom Grauen Schiefer (from grey slate) and Vom Roten Schiefer (from red slate) showcase the region’s mineral diversity. The Rothenpfad plot, composed entirely of rare red slate, stands out in the Mosel, while Farhlay is dominated by blue slate. Between them lies Falkenlay, regarded by many as Marienburg’s finest site, where predominantly grey slate produces exceptional grapes for noble sweet wines.
In the cellar, Clemens embraces natural winemaking, fermenting with wild yeasts and using centuries-old 1000-litre barrels. His wines are crafted with minimal intervention—nothing is added throughout the process except for a small touch of sulphur at bottling.
Humble and thoughtful, Clemens Busch produces wines of purity and precision, true reflections of their terroir and a testament to his lifelong commitment to sustainable winemaking.
