Maustal Spätburgunder Großes Gewächs 2023

Wine description for Maustal Spätburgunder Großes Gewächs 2023 by Luckert – Zehnthof

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.