Königsbacher Ölberg Spätburgunder VDP Erste Lage 2021 1500ml Magnum

Wine Description for Königsbacher Ölberg Spätburgunder VDP Erste Lage 2021 1500ml Magnum by Christmann

Colour & Appearance

Luminous cherry red with bright reflections and remarkable clarity – a Spätburgunder that reveals its provenance and elegance already in the glass.

Nose

Seductively dark and multi-layered, this Ölberg presents itself with distinction. Cherry in all its variations – from sweet to tart, alongside preserved morello cherries. The floral component impresses with violet, lilac and forget-me-not, whilst elderberry and plum lend depth. Subtly balsamic notes of juniper, pepper and fresh herbs such as parsley and sage develop with air contact. Hints of undergrowth and cigar box impart mysterious complexity, rounded off by clove and cardamom.

Palate

Silky and cool on the attack, an impressive elegance unfolds. The fine acidity structure guides precisely through the wine and carries the fruity and floral aromas with subtle power. The wine oscillates charmingly between bright and dark tones, with sour cherry and herbal notes emphasising small-berry finesse. The silky mouthfeel is structured by discreet, ripe tannins and pleasant bitterness – pure elegance without any heaviness.

Finish

A finish that resonates for minutes with subtle spicing and invigorating freshness. The elegance and complexity remain remarkably present.

Terroir & Origin

The Königsbacher Ölberg lies in direct proximity to the legendary Idig. The 0.5 hectare Erste Lage with a 5% south-easterly slope benefits from early morning sun and cool winds from the Klausenthal. The soil of Terra Fusca – a mixture of limestone, loam and clay with bunter sandstone gravel – imparts the wine’s characteristic minerality and depth.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Hand-harvested on 22 September 2021, spontaneous fermentation with 10% whole bunches. Maturation in small oak with 10% new barriques until February 2022, followed by extended bottle ageing until bottling in May 2023. The patient vinification pays dividends in extraordinary complexity.

Food Pairing Recommendations

Classically with sauerbraten and potato dumplings, excellent with duck breast with orange sauce or surprisingly harmonious with whole celeriac with mushroom stock and roasted hazelnuts.

Special Features

The magnum format promises optimal ageing conditions and longevity. A world-class Spätburgunder from one of the Palatinate’s finest vineyard sites.