Hallgartener Frühernberg VDP Erste Lage 2022

Wine Description for Hallgartener Frühernberg VDP Erste Lage 2022 by Peter Jakob Kühn

Colour & Appearance

Lightly transparent ruby red – classically Burgundian in character with seductive clarity.

Nose

An aromatic revelation that clearly distinguishes this vineyard site wine from the estate wine. Cherry and wild berries dominate, underpinned by fine spice notes such as cinnamon and clove. The Barrique is perfectly integrated, displaying an elegant roasted note and subtle smoke. Complemented by violet and a mineralic iodine note – complex and intoxicating.

Palate

Here the true class of this Pinot Noir reveals itself: silky and charming, it glides across the palate, yet deeply and elegantly structured. The fruit of ripe cherries and blue berries is deliciously precise. The tannin presents itself delicate, yet present with accomplished nobility and piquancy. The firm acidity provides backbone and tension, whilst the first-class oak is perfectly integrated. A wine of impressive generosity and length, combining precision with opulence.

Finish

Long, elegant and sustained with fine fruit and mineralic freshness.

Terroir & Origin

The vineyard site Hallgartener Schönhell, Gewann Frühenberg, is a south-facing amphitheatre with gravelly soils from fluvial and marine sediments. These lighter soils impart the wine’s characteristic elegance and finesse.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder) from Burgundian Sélection Massale, planted 2006. 75% hand-destemmed, 25% whole bunches, spontaneous fermentation. Twelve months maturation in Barrique with 50% new oak. 1.9 g/l residual sugar, 5.7 g/l acidity.

Food Pairing Recommendations

Rare roasted duck breast, venison loin with lingonberries, Coq au Vin, aged Comté or Époisses. Also excellent with mushroom dishes such as porcini risotto.

Special Characteristics

An excellent Rheingau Pinot Noir that proves Germany can compete on equal terms with Burgundy. VDP Erste Lage – Burgundian philosophy with German precision.