Koehler Ruprecht Spätburgunder Kabinett Trocken 2024

The Koehler Ruprecht - Spätburgunder Kabinett Trocken is a Pinot Noir from Kallstadt, a historic village in the Mittelhaardt, in the Pfalz. Protected by the wooded heights of the Haardt, this vineyard enjoys a mild, sunny and dry climate. The soils combine limestone, sand, chalk and sandstone, a diversity that gives the Spätburgunder tension, marked minerality and a precious freshness in this warm region.

The harvest is entirely by hand. The grapes ferment spontaneously with their native yeasts, without chaptalisation or modern oenological intervention. The wine is aged in traditional oval oak casks of 600 to 2,400 litres, then in barriques, for a total of 18 months to two years. This long ageing in neutral vessels refines the texture without masking the purity of the fruit.

This wine reveals notes of cherry, redcurrant, raspberry, sage, orange peel, violet, pepper and forest floor. The palate is supple and easy-drinking, supported by a lively, fluid acidity that gives it plenty of freshness. The tannins are fine and the spicy, floral finish remains delicate.

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.