VillaWolfPinotNoir,Pfalz

Sans

Country : Germany

Grape Variety : Pinot Noir

A silky-smooth Pinot, with soft strawberry and black cherry fruit, hints of spice and an underlying acidity bringing structure. It’s difficult to find really good Pinot at an affordable price (Burgundy prices have gone stellar), but this is a great example.

Tasting Note : Warm black cherry and strawberry fruit on the nose follows through onto the palate, with notes of spice and toast. The wine is medium-bodied, with a fresh acidity underpinning the fruit, bringing balance and some structure.

Food Pairing : Duck; chicken casserole; roasted Mediterranean veg; tuna steak.

More info : An elegant cool-climate Pinot from the vineyards of the Pfalz. Pinot Noir has a long tradition of being produced in this sheltered area, where it is known as ‘Spätburgunderâ€? and it thrives in the sustainably-managed vineyards of the Villa Wolf estate. After fermentation around half of the wine was aged in barrel for 12-15 months to bring added complexity and fine tannins, and was then blended back into the rest of the cuvée. This is a great Pinot at the price.

Winery : Founded in 1756, the Villa Wolf estate was purchased by Ernst Loosen in 1996. He overhauled the vineyards and winemaking process, and with the introduction in 2011 of young winemaking team, Patrick Moellendorf and Sumi Gebauer, he has really put this estate on the map. The vines are grown following sustainable viticultural practices and organic viticulture, which not only protects the environment but also produces healthier grapes. The winemaking is carried out in the traditional way with minimalist intervention. Being from the warm, dry Pfalz area, the wines are produced in a drier, fuller-bodied style than most other German wines.