In Baden and Pfalz, I am sure you can already make very ripe Chardonnay.
I also think we will see a lot of young winemakers look more towards Jura instead of Burgundy. But that is just a hunch, nothing more.
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The one thing that sets Chardonnay apart in Germany from any other place in the world it is grown; ACID. Their jumpy/nervy structures are really intriguing when done in stainless steel.
I must admit, itâs the Pinot Blancs in Germany that are blowing me away though (and again, itâs the acid).
But, I am falling in love with the white âburgunderâ varietals in Germany. Itâs the barrel-fermented Chardonnays that have impressed me most with German Chardonnay, because they still have that wonderful dance of acidity that you just donât see in France (or Northern Italy for that matter), yet creamy, nutty mid palates are super addicting -
Thomas you nailed it! That is what is so special about many of the German Chards. I would also add the same for Oregon.
I also agree with you on the Burgunder varietals. If you have not tried it the Seehof Morstein Weissburgunder R is incredible and fairly priced. The Schäfer-Frohlich Weissburgunder R is also stunning but double or more the price.
Molitor Pinot blancs have been terrific and âundervaluedâ , imho, for their very best.
I look forward to tasting more Chardonnays from GermanyâŚ
Pinot Blanc is a grape variety that was planted on a small scale in the Mosel and other regions already in the 19th century.
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Rebholz, Knipser, Pfeffingen, and Dr. Wehrheim, all in the Pfalz, were listed in the top ten in Vinum Weinguide Deutschland 2024 for their WeiĂburgunder. Rebholz had the second- and seventh-place wines.
Tasted a couple of wonderful Chardonnays at Donnhoff recently -
2023 CHARDONNAY âNahe Valleyâ STUCKFASS
Barrel fermented for 6 months, melon/apple, lovely acidity/CO2 -
2023 CHARDONNAY âNahe Valleyâ âSâ
Barrel fermented for 8 months in small oak casks, creamy/vanilla, gorgeous, creamy palate, baked apple, stunning -
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A StĂźckfass is an oval 1,200-liter cask. Are you sure the âSâ stands for âStĂźckfassâ for the wine bottled under cork?
Looked back at my notes - the âSâ was aged in small barriques, the âStuckfassâ was aged in the traditional oak casks - thanks Lars - missed that -
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The wine has been open for 15 mins. I am already sold! At 16⏠this is ridiculous value and overall just a crazy good wine.
I am going to buy large quantities as soon as our current heatwave are over.
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Fantastic! Glad you like it! I need to keep my full report up from our tasting.
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Pretty excited to try the Kapellenberg nowâŚ
A little concerned about the oak treatment, but letâs see.
Does anyone know the difference between the Seckinger Chardonnay Pure, pictured by Lasse and the Chardonnay R Pur, pictured by Robert? I have 2 bottles of the R pur arriving home by Wednesday
I donât know the exact difference. I do know that they have slightly different labels due to a request by the U.S. importer.
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I like to think of myself as a new-oak-sensitive person, and I donât remember much overt oak standing out. But I had tasted 20+ of their wines by that pointâŚ
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I find that many of these off-piste wines are ending up at shops whose inventory isnât online. To wit, I found this Wasenhaus 2020 Filzen at a hip Venice Beach natty wine shop and grabbed it because of this thread.
Lovely stuff. I am not sure how to frame it (which is great!) - kind of Meursault fatness but more Jura-adjacent cut. Interesting herbal notes. A bit short on the finish is the only negative. Great afternoon sipping.
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I subsequently discovered a limited selection at Thatcherâs, So I will probably swing by there in the next week or two to grab a bottle or two.
Which shop did you find that at? Lincoln fine wines? I have to believe thatâs the wrong answer, as I donât consider them a small, natty wine shop.
No, though I visited them this afternoon. Great selection across the board. Had a nice chat.
Vin en Rose. Super hipster. I think there is one bottle left of the En Kreuz, but that was the last bottle of Chard. Good shop.
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oh, dang! Theyâre practically next door to Gjusta, a place for which my arm never needs twisting to visit.
Already on my list for a walk. Lol.
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