Andres & Mugler

From Friendship to Perfection: Two Winemakers, One Vision

In 1989, Michael Andres and Steffen Mugler began their joint sparkling wine project with a modest 1,000 litres of Riesling. Today, after more than three decades of intensive collaboration, they have become one of the most extraordinary sparkling wine producers in Germany. Their philosophy is clearly defined: "We don't want to grow outwardly, but inwardly." This attitude is reflected in every detail of their work – from biodynamic certification since 2010 to meticulous cellar work.

The two friends bring different strengths to the table: Michael Andres contributes his experience from Weingut Andres, whilst Steffen Mugler brings his knowledge from Weingut M. Schädler. This symbiosis of different approaches and shared vision makes their sparkling wines so extraordinarily multifaceted.

Biodynamics as a Life Philosophy

"Biodynamics is the attitude with which we view everything," the duo explain their working method. Organically certified since 2006, they took the decisive step towards biodynamic management in 2010. On the steep, sandy Deidesheimer Mäushöhle – Michael's favourite vineyard site – there are even beehives that provide additional biodiversity. This holistic approach extends across all their vineyards: from Deidesheimer Mäushöhle via Ruppertsberger Reiterpfad to Maikammer.

Their grape variety palette includes Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Spätburgunder, Schwarzriesling, Muskateller, Chardonnay and Auxerrois. Each variety is treated with the same dedication, yet it is only in the blending that they reveal their true greatness.

The Art of Traditional Bottle Fermentation

In the cellar, the true mastery of Andres & Mugler becomes apparent. They use only about two-thirds of the pressed must – a luxury that only a few producers can afford. Traditional bottle fermentation with 12 to 48 months on the lees gives their sparkling wines those grape-driven, mineral profiles that delight wine experts worldwide.

The Blanc de Noir Brut Nature 2023 exemplifies their signature: light-bodied, dry in style, yet of fascinating complexity. Equally impressive is the Cuvée 50 Lunes 2018, which impresses with extraordinary maturity and depth.

Awards at the Highest Level

The successes speak for themselves: in 2021, Eichelmann named their collection the "best sparkling wine collection in Germany". At the renowned Meininger German Sparkling Wine Prize, they have regularly received top ratings since 2019. Particularly the Cuvée Elena 2021 demonstrates how perfectly elegance and intensity can be united in a glass.

These accolades confirm what connoisseurs have long known: Andres & Mugler have elevated German sparkling wine culture to a new level and prove that biodynamic principles and uncompromising quality are the key to extraordinary sparkling wines.