Weingut Würtzberg Pinot Noir, 2022, Mosel, Germany

Region Mosel Country Germany Type Red Grape Pinot Noir Style ABV 12% Closure Screwcap Method Sustainable, Vegan Burgundian inspiration with German precision and vines planted back in 1986. Proof that the Saar has more tricks up its sleeve than Riesling. About the wine Burgundy might be Pinot Noir's spiritual home, but the Germans have been making a rather good case for keeping some of the action on their side of the border. Weingut Würtzberg is a historic estate in Germany's Saar Valley, a region famous for its steep vineyards, cool climate and exceptional Rieslings. But there's more to the Saar than white wine, and this Pinot Noir, or Spätburgunder as the Germans call it, is a delicious reminder. The story starts in 1986, when these Pinot Noir vines were planted. Nearly four decades later, they're producing a red with plenty of character and a distinctly Burgundian approach to winemaking. The grapes are fermented in large wooden vats before ageing in small oak barrels, following traditional Burgundy methods. The result is a beautifully silky red, combining softness and elegance with surprising depth and structure. Tasting notes Juicy red cherries, ripe raspberries, a little earthy spice and a gentle touch of oak. Smooth and refined, yet with enough character to make every sip interesting. Food pairing Roast duck with cherry sauce, wild mushroom risotto, herb-roasted chicken or pork tenderloin. Its silky texture also makes it a lovely match for grilled salmon, truffle pasta or a generous plate of roasted mushrooms. About the winemaker Never have we been blown away so quickly with the quality of a new producer! Annelena and her 26-year-old winemaker brother, Felix Heimes, are the dynamic duo making the magic happen. Produced on 12 hectares of some of the steepest slopes in the wine world, so everything is done by hand (far too steep for those poor old tractors!). Originally planted way back in 1898 by Maria Puricelli, who also helped to build the original estate, the Heimes family now owns this amazing, sustainable winery and keeps getting better year after year.