Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir)

What the Riesling means for white wines with regard to quality, the Spätburgunder embodies among red wines: Wines for those with a discerning taste.

Origin

Der Spätburgunder gedeiht am Besten auf sogenannten Rieslinglagen. (Quelle: Rheinhessenwein)

The Spätburgunder or Pinot Noir variety of grape vine is a part of the Burgundian family. This is probably among the earliest varieties selected from the wild vines in western Central Europe. Charles the Fat brought the variety to Lake Constance in 884. In the 18th century the variety is said to have been brought from Burgundy to the Ahr valley. Spätburgunder experienced an upswing 150 years ago with the expansion of the production of sparkling wine – Sekt – for which vineyards were planted exclusively with Pinot Noir. In Rheinhessen it takes third place among the red varieties being cultivated over an area of 1350 ha.

In the vineyard and cellar

This noble and very old variety requires great care and is very demanding with regard to the climate and soil. It flourishes best in so-called Riesling locations, that is to say the best locations.
Spätburgunder is matured mainly as a dry red wine, in part also with a certain residual sweetness. Now and again, rosé wines and also sparkling wine made from Spätburgunder are to be found. If the grapes are pressed immediately after being harvested, a “Blanc de Noir”, a white wine made from dark grapes, can be produced from the light-coloured juice. Many producers also mature higher qualities in barrique barrels.

The wines

Bei der Einmaischung gewinnt der Spätburgunder seine tiefrote Farbe. (Quelle: Rheinhessenwein)

The typical Spätburgunder has a slightly sweetish scent of red fruit, from strawberry through cherry and blackberry to blackcurrant. In the case of barrique wines, there are also suggestions of vanilla and cinnamon. A distinction is made between the classical and the modern type. Traditionally, the best Spätburgunders were made from overripe grapes, were not very intensive in colour, mild, low in tannin and rust-red in colour. Apart from this classical type, the modern Spätburgunder with its powerful red, more tannin, less acidity and often a short period of storage in the small oak barrel is gaining more and more in importance. Spätburgunder red wines are ideal for the cooler part of the year. They are drunk at a room temperature of 16 to 18 degrees Celsius. Strong variants best accompany roast meat or venison, or also a selection of assorted cheeses.