Margrave of Baden – Durbacher Schlossberg Pinot Noir VDP.ERSTE LAGE dry 2011 MAGNUM 1500ml

Margrave of Baden – Durbacher Schlossberg Pinot Noir VDP.ERSTE LAGE dry 2011

1. Winery & Origin

The Markgraf von Badenwinery looks back on a tradition spanning over 900 years and has been owned by the Margraves of Baden for generations. It is currently run by H.R.H. Bernhard, Prince of Baden, who has been continuing the family tradition since 1998.

The estate’s wines are produced at two historic sites: Salem Castle on Lake Constance and Staufenberg Castle in Durbach (Ortenau). The estate cultivates a total of around 125 hectares of vineyards – 100 hectares on Lake Constance and 25 hectares in the Ortenau region – and was admitted to the Association of German Prädikat Wine Estates (VDP) in December 2011 .

This wine comes from the VDP’s ‘Erste Lage’ Durbacher Schlossberg and is vinified as a dry Pinot Noir.

2. Vineyard & Terroir

The Durbacher Schlossberg is one of the oldest and most renowned vineyard sites in the Ortenau region. The wine-growing community of Durbach is situated in the Ortenau wine-growing region, which comprises around 2,700 hectares of vineyards.

A characteristic feature of the site is the predominant soil type, consisting of heavily weathered granite and porphyry with scattered layers of loess and loess-loam. This is complemented by relatively high rainfall. The outstanding soil quality and the south-facing aspect provide excellent growing conditions.

3. 2011 Vintage

The 2011 vintage is described by the winery itself as ‘exceptionally good’. A warm spring and ideal autumn weather, combined with the constant pursuit of the highest quality, were the key factors behind this successful vintage.

The harvest produced full-bodied, robust Pinot Noirs as well as elegant, expressive white wines. The wine’s alcohol content is stated as 13.0 to 13.5% by volume.

4. Characteristics & Tasting Notes

Appearance:
In the glass, the wine displays a beautiful brick-red colour.

Nose (Bouquet):
On the nose, a pleasant aroma of red and black berriesunfolds , with hints of vanilla. Light smoky, yeasty and slightly earthy notes complement the range of aromas.

Palate:
The wine is both powerful and elegant, with a well-structured tannin framework. On the palate, it is supple with a long finish. The wine is juicy and silky, with well-integrated acidity.

5. Serving recommendations & food pairings

The wine is recommendedto be served at a temperature of 18 °C.

It pairs excellently with:

• Roasts

• Game dishes

• Cheese platters

6. Maturation

Wooden barrels or fermentation vats are usedfor the mash fermentation of Pinot Noir . This ageing process ensures pure quality and emphasises the distinct character of the ‘Erste Lagen’.

7. Conclusion

The Margrave of Baden – Durbacher Schlossberg Pinot Noir VDP.ERSTE LAGE dry 2011 is a powerful, elegant red wine from one of Baden’s most renowned vineyard sites. The exceptionally good 2011 vintage, the complex terroir of weathered granite and the meticulous craftsmanship of the traditional winery combine to create a supple Pinot Noir with a long finish and delicate berry fruit. The wine was available in 0.75-litre bottles and as a 1.5-litre magnum.