The Maustal Spätburgunder Großes Gewächs 2023 by Luckert – Zehnthof hails from the steep VDP.Grossen Lage Maustal on the Main in Franconia and showcases the dry, powerful style of top-tier German Pinots with refined depth and structure.
Dark cherry, wild raspberry and blackcurrant, accompanied by delicate notes of violet, undergrowth and a hint of spicy roasted aromas.
Palate
Juicy dark fruit meets silky tannins and a vibrant, well-integrated acidity; a mineral-driven, long finish.
Character
An elegant, cool-climate Spätburgunder with profound depth – dense and structured, yet refined and inviting to drink, with clear ageing potential.
Pairing
Ideal with roast duck breast, game dishes such as saddle of venison, or a richly seasoned mushroom pan.
Notes
From the VDP.Grossen Lage Maustal, a steep south-facing slope directly on the Main; the estate has been a VDP member since 1955, Naturland-certified for over 10 years, and operates from the historic Zehnthof dating back to 1558, employing spontaneous fermentation and maturation in traditional Doppelstück casks made of Spessart oak.
Tasting note
Character
A Großes Gewächs from Franconia that places Spätburgunder beyond the usual southern German clichés: cool in tone, taut in structure, and of quiet profundity. Rather than opulent fruit, this wine focuses on structure, finesse and mineral tension – a red wine that need not be loud to make an impression.
Terroir & Origin
The VDP.Grosse Lage Maustal near Sulzfeld is a steep south-facing slope directly on the River Main, characterised by Franconian Muschelkalk. This calcareous framework lends the wines the saline imprint and cool energy for which the vineyard site is prized. Weingut Zehnthof Luckert – a VDP member since 1955 and VINUM Winery of the Year 2025 – farms its parcels with Naturland certification, making it one of the pioneers of organic viticulture in Franconia. A historic estate dating back to 1558, it is a winery with roots in the region spanning more than 150 years.
Grape Variety & Vinification
Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) is regarded as the most sensitive of all red grape varieties – and finds a remarkably suitable home on the limestone soils of the Main. Cellar master Philipp Luckert works consistently with spontaneous fermentation using natural yeasts; the wines are aged in traditional casks of Spessart oak, then bottled unfiltered and with only minimal sulphur addition. The result is an artisanally unadulterated style that prioritises origin over technique – dry and balanced at 13.0% alcohol.
Food Pairings
Its fine acidity and calcareous foundation make it a versatile wine at the table: alongside herb-braised leg of lamb, duck breast with red cabbage or a Franconian Schäufele. It also reveals its full class with venison stew, mushroom dishes such as sautéed porcini, or mature Comté. Best served with a little air in the glass and not too warm.
