For Alexander Stodden, owner and cellarmaster at Ahr winery Jean Stodden, balancing tradition with just the right amount of innovation is an approach that’s worth the effort. A family estate that has shaped the tastes of wine lovers over generations, ungrafted century-old vines (a rarity in Ahr) and old-school diligence, counterbalance the latest vineyard and winery techniques that are only introduced if necessary and at precisely the right moment. At the core of operations is his heartfelt passion: Spätburgunder, and while Alexander can’t name a favorite since he loves his “children” equally, he pinpoints Spätburgunder JS as the perfect entry point into the Stodden wines.

Jean Stodden joined the VDP in 2005. Its main grape variety is Spätburgunder, and it also cultivates small quantities of Riesling and Frühburgunder across 8.5 acres.