Top 11 German Pinot Noirs You Must Try

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Discover Germany's hidden gem: Pinot Noir. Known as Spätburgunder, this wine thrives in regions like Pfalz, offering unique flavors and quality.

Discovering Germany’s Hidden Gem: Pinot Noir

Germany is renowned for its Rieslings, but there’s more to explore. The country is also the third-largest producer of Pinot Noir globally. This grape variety, known as Spätburgunder in German, thrives in Germany’s cooler climate, producing wines that often surprise enthusiasts.

Geographically, most of Germany’s wine regions are located in the southwest. These regions are close to the Rhine River and its tributaries. The unique terroir and microclimates contribute to the quality of the wines produced here. Among these regions, Pfalz stands out as particularly significant for Pinot Noir cultivation.

Pfalz is not only warm but also shares a border with France’s Alsace region. This proximity allows for a blend of influences and techniques that enhance the quality of the wines produced on both sides. Many producers grow grapes across this border, showcasing a fusion of styles and flavors.

The Regions That Shape German Pinot Noir

In addition to Pfalz, other notable regions for Pinot Noir include Rheingau, Rheinhessen, Ahr, Baden, and Württemberg. Each area contributes distinct characteristics to its wines due to varying soil types and climates. According to Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson in their “World Atlas of Wine,” Baden has some avant-garde producers.

These producers utilize Burgundian techniques to create elegant wines that can rival those from Burgundy itself. Comparisons between German Pinots and their French counterparts are becoming increasingly common. Many German Pinot Noirs exhibit lighter styles compared to those from California’s Sonoma or Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

Alcohol levels typically range from 12% to 13%. This moderate alcohol content allows for vibrant acidity in the wines. The result is a fresh and lively character that many wine lovers appreciate.

Understanding Labels: Navigating German Wine

For American consumers, navigating German wine labels can be challenging. Unlike Rieslings with complex sweetness levels, Pinot Noirs are simpler in terms of labeling. They are primarily labeled as either Pinot Noir or Spätburgunder.

While many bottles still use the traditional term Spätburgunder, an increasing number display “Pinot Noir” prominently on their labels. It is crucial for consumers to look for regional indicators like Pfalz or Rheingau on labels. Additionally, "trocken," which means "dry," is an essential term for those seeking drier styles.

Jake Halper from Field Blend Selections notes that German Pinot Noir remains an evolving category. Many winemakers are experimenting with different styles while remaining underappreciated compared to French offerings. This presents an opportunity for consumers to discover excellent value in high-quality German Pinots that deserve recognition.

Notable German Pinot Noirs Worth Trying

Here are some exceptional examples of German Pinot Noirs worth exploring:

1. Jürgen Leiner ‘Handwerk’ Pinot Noir 2022

   • Price: $24
   • Description: Offers gorgeous red fruit aromas with perfect acidity; biodynamically grown in Pfalz’s sandstone soils.

2. Prost Pinot Noir 2022

   • Price: $17
   • Description: A bright red fruit-forward wine with mineral notes; fermented and aged in stainless steel.

3. August Kesseler ‘The Daily August’ Pinot Noir 2022

   • Price: $27
   • Description: Features flinty minerality with layered dark fruit flavors; aged in small oak barrels.

4. Georg Breuer Pinot Noir ‘Rouge’ 2022

   • Price: $29
   • Description: A balanced wine from Rheingau with plum and raspberry notes; lean structure with a mineral edge.

5. Von Winning Pinot Noir ‘Royale’ 2022

   • Price: $45
   • Description: A richer wine at 14% ABV; dark fruit punctuated by baking spices after aging in small barrels.

6. Dautel Estate Pinot Noir 2022

   • Price: $25
   • Description: From Württemberg’s terraced vineyards; fresh fruit flavors complemented by wet-stone minerality.

7. Familie Friedrich Becker Pfalz Pinot Noir 2020

   • Price: $22
   • Description: Elegant wine with earthy hints alongside ripe strawberry notes; aged in various French oak barrels.

8. Jan Matthias Klein ‘Little Red Riding Wolf’ Spätburgunder 2020

   • Price: $43
   • Description: An organic natural take bursting with red fruit notes; lively acidity makes it refreshing.

9. Borell-Diehl ‘BD’ Pinot Noir 2021

   • Price: $14
   • Description: An under-$20 bargain revealing fresh cherry and blueberry notes; minimal oak influence enhances purity.

10. Hansjörg Rebholz Spätburgunder 2020

    • Price: $50
    • Description: Outstanding balance of fruit and acidity; dark fruit complemented by cocoa notes showcases elegance.

11. Fritz Waßmer Spätburgunder ‘M’ 2018

    • Price: $36
    • Description: Balanced wine featuring ripe berry notes and herbal touches; fine tannins make it easy drinking.

Exploring these selections offers a glimpse into Germany’s burgeoning reputation as a producer of world-class Pinot Noirs!

Photo by Julia Joppien on Unsplash