Weisser Burgunder Löss und Lehm 2023

Wine description for Weisser Burgunder, Löss und Lehm 2023 from Michael Andres

In the gently rolling hills of the Palatinate, where the sun shines generously and the soils tell a story of millions of years, Michael Andres cultivates a Pinot Blanc of remarkable precision. His 2023 "Löss und Lehm" epitomises the increasing mastery of this winemaker, whose signature becomes more recognisable from year to year - an expression of artisanal integrity at a time when authenticity is often a rarity.

Visual impression

In the glass, the wine presents itself in a bright straw yellow colour with vivid green reflections that shimmer like sunlight through young spring leaves. Its clarity is impressive - transparent and focused, a visual promise of the precision that characterises the entire wine.

Nose

The flavour unfolds with the structured clarity of a well-composed poem. Michael Andres' flair for balance and nuance is evident here. We first encounter juicy Nashi pears, whose subtle sweetness is immediately contrasted by the refreshing acidity of green and yellow apples. The lemon zest lends the bouquet a vibrant tension reminiscent of cool morning air in vineyards.

The complex herbal composition is particularly fascinating and gives this wine its unmistakable identity: Lemon thyme with its fine citrus note, Lemon balm in their calming elegance and Coriander with its subtly exotic undertone. Hovering over everything is a hint of Mintwhich lends the wine a cool, intellectual dimension - a subtle reference to the mineral soils of the Palatinate.

Palate

The true identity of this Pinot Blanc reveals itself on the palate. It has an almost architectural precision - lean, focussed and with a clarity reminiscent of a laser beam. The acidity structure is remarkable and gives the wine a backbone of impressive sincerity.

Here we encounter a wine without compromise - dry to the core, with almost no melt, but with a cool finesse reminiscent of the best representatives of the grape variety. The fruit components, which were so lively on the nose, recede on the palate and leave the stage to the ethereal, herbal elements. Only on the finish do they return, accompanied by a subtle, animating bitter note reminiscent of citrus peel and green almonds - an element that frees the wine from mere pleasantness and gives it character and depth.

General information

Michael Andres' decision to ferment and mature this Pinot Blanc entirely in stainless steel tanks emphasises his desire to preserve the purity of the fruit and the minerality of the terroir. The partial maceration with skins gives the wine additional structure and complexity, while the use of natural yeasts strengthens the connection to the place of origin. By deliberately avoiding malolactic fermentation, the wine retains its vibrant freshness and tension.

With 12.5% alcohol and a restrained residual sweetness, this wine positions itself as an ideal accompaniment to the table - a wine that does not dominate food but accompanies it elegantly and refreshes the palate with its precise acidity structure.

Food pairing suggestions

The clear, precise style of this Pinot Blanc predestines it for a variety of culinary accompaniments. A creamy Cream of celeriac soup with its earthy, slightly sweet character finds a perfect counterpart in the cool clarity of the wine. The Smoked trout with herb jelly and cress picks up on the ethereal notes of the wine and creates a harmonious connection between the delicate smoky flavours of the fish and the herbaceous freshness in the glass. For lovers of traditional cuisine, the Veal brawn with lollo rosso with its complex texture and subtle spicy notes, is a fascinating combination in which the precise acidity of the wine elegantly balances the richness of the dish.