Königsbacher Ölberg Spätburgunder VDP Erste Lage 2021

Wine description for Königsbacher Ölberg Spätburgunder VDP Erste Lage 2021 by Christmann

Colour & Appearance

Radiant cherry red with bright, luminous reflections – a Pinot Noir of classical transparency and even colouration, which already reveals its elegance in the glass.

Nose

Seductively dark and mysterious. Cherry in all its facets – from sweet to tart, along with preserved morello cherries. Intense floral notes of violet, lilac and forget-me-not lend the wine a captivating elegance. Elderberry and plum join in, whilst with air a fascinating balsamic-ethereal dimension develops: juniper, pepper, sage, hints of undergrowth and cigar box. Subtle spice of clove and cardamom rounds off the complex aromatic interplay.

Palate

Silky, cool, of impressive elegance and stature. A fine acidity structure guides itself sovereignly through the flavour profile and carries the fruity and floral aromas with remarkable precision. The wine oscillates aromatically between light and dark, stretches in length and builds subtle pressure. Sour cherry dominates the fruit, underpinned by fine herbal notes and a small-berry structure that is enormously lively. The silky mouthfeel is supported by delicate tannin and pleasant bitterness – never obtrusive, always elegant.

Finish

Lingering for minutes, carried by subtle spice and that cool, elegant acidity which lends this wine its aristocratic nature. The herbal notes and fine bitterness remain present and make you want the next sip.

Terroir & Origin

The Königsbacher Ölberg lies in direct proximity to the legendary Idig. The 0.5-hectare parcel of the Christmann family benefits from early morning sun and cool winds from the Klausenthal. The soil consists of Terra Fusca – a mixture of limestone, loam and clay, interspersed with bunter sandstone gravel. This combination gives the wine its characteristic coolness and minerality.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), hand-harvested on 22 September 2021. Spontaneous fermentation with 10% whole bunches, maturation in small wood (10% new barriques) until February 2022, bottling only in May 2023 after extended ageing. This patience pays off in complexity and harmony.

Food Recommendations

Sauerbraten with potato dumplings, duck breast with orange sauce and chard, celeriac roasted whole with mushroom stock and toasted hazelnuts. The elegant acidity and subtle spice make it the ideal companion to aromatic, earthy dishes.

Special Features

A Spätburgunder of VDP Erste Lage quality, reflecting Christmann’s uncompromising pursuit of excellence. The re-grafting onto French clones undertaken in 2018 promises even greater finesse for the future.