Weissburgunder Pinot Blanc 2021

Originating from the steep slopes of the Mosel River, this Weissburgunder comes from vineyards planted in soils rich in schist and gravel, typical of the German Moselle Valley. The plots cultivated by the Axel Pauly estate overlook the meanders of the river, benefiting from excellent exposure and a cool microclimate that promotes a slow and harmonious ripening of the grapes. This combination of topography, bedrock, and river influences gives the wine a precise expression, marked by the minerality and aromatic finesse characteristic of this terroir.

The detailed winemaking information for Axel Pauly Weissburgunder Pinot Blanc 2021 is not specified by the estate; it is a dry white wine made from carefully harvested grapes, vinified in a precise and modern way to preserve aromatic purity and freshness, with controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks and aging on fine lees to retain tension, fruitiness and balance without marked influence of wood.

This wine reveals notes of fresh pear , green apple , and citrus fruits like lemon , complemented by delicate floral touches and a subtle mineral dimension. Light toasty nuances are also perceptible, adding complexity without overpowering the fruit. On the palate, the wine is elegant, with a lively yet balanced acidity , a supple and precise texture, and a clean, slightly saline finish that prolongs the fruity and mineral impressions with remarkable freshness.

Germany has a long and illustrious history of winemaking. The Romans established the country's first vineyards along the banks of the Moselle River, near the present-day city of Trier. By the third century AD, vineyards had spread to various neighboring valleys, primarily those of the Moselle's tributaries. During the Middle Ages, the Christian church, particularly the Cistercian and Benedictine monasteries, had a significant influence on the development of viticulture and the production of quality wine in Germany. Germany has always been renowned for its excellent white wines: slightly sweet, low in alcohol, but always of high quality. However, in recent years, wine drinkers have tended to prefer drier wines. Consequently, the German market has evolved to cater to all tastes with some splendid dry Rieslings and other white wine varieties, such as Pinot Blanc, Gewürztraminer, and Grauburgunder. Warmer summers and milder winters have also favored rosés and reds, with Pinot Noir being the third most planted grape variety in the country. So, take your pick—from traditional Rieslings to great reds, the range is wide and still expanding. The German wine industry lost its way in terms of quality during the 20th century, expanding plantings onto less favorable sites and increasing yields to levels where quality was severely compromised. However, Germany's greatest wine producers were never completely lost, and since the end of the 20th century, considerable efforts have been made to restore Germany's former glory. Yields are now limited by law, and many leading producers have joined forces to form the VDP association (see German Wine Labels). Members of the VDP are bound by a commitment to focus their efforts on quality rather than quantity. In terms of volume, Germany ranks among the top ten countries in the world for annual wine production. Just over 60% of the wine produced is white, and it is widely acknowledged that the white wines from Germany's best vineyards and most reputable producers are among the finest in the world. German red wines are also gaining in popularity and quality, particularly those made from Spätburgunder, the local name for Pinot Noir. The second most popular red grape variety (in terms of planted hectares, at least) is Dornfelder.