Between Bocksbeutel and Burgundy – A Visit to Rot Weiß Rosé

It had been far too long since my last visit to Würzburg. In recent years, I had only passed through on the train, admiring the rolling vineyards of the Würzburger Stein from the window. Each time, the desire grew stronger to return – to wander among the vines, enjoy a glass of fine Franconian wine with dinner, and finally visit the wine shop that had long been on my list: Rot Weiß Rosé Premium Wein.

Arrival & First Impressions

The shop is located just outside Würzburg’s city centre, in a small commercial area, yet it’s easily reached by public transport (buses 554 and 555 from the city centre). A visit can conveniently be combined with a trip to Randersacker, Eibelstadt, Sommerhausen or Ochsenfurt – all places rich in vineyards, wineries and enough culinary temptations to fill two holidays.

My plan was to stop off on the way back from a day exploring these villages. Stepping off the bus at Conradistraße, a short walk to the left brought me straight to the shop. From the outside it looks rather plain, almost utilitarian – not exactly love at first sight. But once you step inside, everything changes. I have rarely experienced such an inviting atmosphere in a wine shop.

The interior is modern and uncluttered, yet radiates warmth despite its generous space. Thoughtful lighting highlights the bottles beautifully. Distinct areas – a cosy lounge corner, the tasting bar, and a relaxed event space – flow seamlessly together, creating an atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease.

Selection & Discoveries

Of course, I wasn’t there for the interior design but for the wines – and the range is genuinely impressive. The focus on Silvaner feels both bold and appropriate in the very heart of Silvaner country. Many young, up-and-coming Franconian producers are represented, including fresh discoveries such as Weinbau Six, Max von Dungern, and Tobias Winkler, alongside some of the region’s finest names – Fürst, Richard Östreicher, Rudi May, and others.

The collection is complemented by a carefully curated selection of top German estates from other regions – Keller, Dönnhoff, Georg Breuer – as well as international highlights, especially from France. I was particularly taken by the Champagne range, which is perfectly complemented by outstanding German Sekt, including examples from Burkhardt Schür.

A distinctive feature of the shop is its offer of mature wines, which are regularly sourced and added to a growing list of rarities. Those with a taste for aged treasures can sign up for the mailing list to be informed whenever new finds arrive.

Conversation & Choice

After some leisurely browsing and a wonderfully engaging chat with Sebastian Schütz, the knowledgeable yet refreshingly down-to-earth owner, I faced the hardest task of the day – choosing just one bottle to take home.

My choice eventually fell on a rarity: the Chardonnay Steingrube (VDP.Erste Lage) from Weingut Klaus Peter Keller – the inaugural vintage. The vines come from a vineyard planted in 1963, which was re-grafted to Chardonnay four years ago using fine Burgundian plant material. The deeply rooted vines provide a fascinating foundation. The wine spent 15 months in oak (around 20 % new) followed by three months in stainless steel before bottling. The Chardonnays – as well as the sparkling wines – are largely crafted under the guidance of Felix Keller, son of Klaus Peter. I’m very much looking forward to tasting this debut vintage in five to seven years’ time – a wine that already hints at great promise.

Conclusion

With its coherent concept and impressive selection, Rot Weiß Rosé has long established a name for itself. In 2024, it was honoured with the Best Wine Merchant in Germany award by the German Wine Institute (DWI) in cooperation with the trade magazine WEIN+MARKT. In the same year, VINUM included it among “25 German wine merchants you should know”.

Here, wine is not simply sold – it is lived. You sense genuine passion, expertise, and a fine instinct for the exceptional, combined with a refreshing openness and a keen eye for emerging talent. It’s only a pity I live so far away – I’d otherwise be a regular at the exciting events Sebastian Schütz hosts throughout the year.

A thoroughly rewarding visit – to a place where knowledge, passion, and atmosphere come together in rare harmony.

A Few Words with Sebastian Schütz

To round off my visit, I wanted to learn more about the person behind Rot Weiß Rosé. Sebastian kindly took the time to answer a few questions about his passion, memorable discoveries, and what he believes makes the right wine for a milestone celebration.

When did your passion for wine begin?

I’ve been cooking since I was four years old – and as an enthusiastic lover of food, it was inevitable that the passion for wine would follow.

What was the most exciting wine you’ve ever acquired?

I’ll never forget a cellar I once bought – located beneath a garage, kept at a constant six degrees for decades (hello, CO₂ footprint!) and filled with astonishingly youthful Burgundy from the 1960s and ’70s. Over 2,000 bottles from top producers, their evolution dramatically slowed by the cold. Many so-called “lesser” vintages like 1974 or 1977 are now showing beautifully.

And what would you open for your 50th birthday?
I don’t think it will be a great vintage wine. I’m not a fan of drinking the truly great bottles on truly great occasions – there’s too much emotion, and after a few days, you barely remember what was in your glass. I prefer to enjoy the great wines on a Wednesday night – they make the moment special all by themselves.

Culinary Tips Around Würzburg

Two recommendations for those who wish to explore Würzburg’s culinary side:

Restaurant Mizar – an outstanding kitchen with a regional focus. The team works almost exclusively with Franconian products, and the wine list follows suit with a pure selection of Franconian wines. Dinner begins at 7 p.m., and the menu offered a fascinating, perfectly composed journey through local flavours.

Düll Die Brotbäckerei – if you’re in Würzburg on a Friday or Saturday, don’t miss the Laugenbrezeln (pretzels). They’re among the best I’ve ever had – and that’s saying something, as I’ve visited Fidelisbäck in Wangen im Allgäu more than once.

My sincere thanks to Sebastian Schütz for taking the time to answer my questions. The photographs were kindly provided by Sebastian Schütz (photographer: Rainer Wengel) and are published here with his permission.