Oberbergener Bassgeige Chardonnay VDP Erste Lage 2023

Tasting Notes for Oberbergener Bassgeige Chardonnay VDP Erste Lage 2023 by Franz Keller

Colour & Appearance

The wine reveals itself in an intense straw to golden yellow in the glass.

Nose

The bouquet unveils an elegant, delicate smoky reduction. Beneath it, freshness and substance combine: notes of lemons, lemon zest, green pears and greengages meet wet stones alongside fresh herbal nuances of balm and mint.

Palate

On the palate, this Chardonnay proves exceptionally juicy, fresh and agile. The crisp fruit of apples, pears, apricots and citrus fruits is structured by a cool stony and refined wood spice. A striking acidic grip delivers wonderful drinkability, whilst the 12-month ageing in wooden barrels provides a slightly creamy texture and perfectly integrated depth.

Terroir & Origin

The VDP Erste Lage Oberbergener Bassgeige in the Kaiserstuhl combines loess and volcanic rock. Under the direction of Friedrich Keller, this terroir highlights the cool, mineral side of Baden and demonstrates the estate’s Burgundian ambitions.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Chardonnay. Following a short skin contact time, the wine was partly spontaneously fermented and aged dry. Maturation took place over 12 months in traditional 228-litre barriques, which impart complexity without overpowering the fruit.

Food Pairings

An excellent match for pan-fried zander on lentils, poultry dishes with a morel cream sauce or classic veal dishes. This structured wine also pairs beautifully with crispy roasted quail.

Key Characteristics

The masterful balance of volcanic minerality, taut acidity and subtly integrated wood perfectly captures the ideal of a Baden wine crafted in the Burgundian style.