Margrave of Baden – Durbacher Schlossberg Pinot Noir VDP.ERSTE LAGE dry 2013 MAGNUM 1500ml

Markgraf von Baden – Durbacher Schlossberg Pinot Noir VDP.ERSTE LAGE dry 2013

The Durbacher Schlossberg Pinot Noir VDP.ERSTE LAGE dry 2013 from the Markgraf von Baden winery is a characterful red wine from one of Baden’s most historic vineyards. The winery, which produces its wines in the cellars of the former Imperial Abbey of Salem and at Staufenberg Castle in Durbach, belongs to the Association of German Prädikat Wine Estates (VDP) and, with around 135 hectares of vineyards, is one of Germany’s largest private estates.

The Durbacher Schlossberg vineyard encompasses the steep slopes of the Staufenberg, which rises more than 380 metres above sea level. The Durbach Valley runs from east to west between the Vosges and the Black Forest; its predominantly southerly aspect and protection from north and east winds create ideal conditions for viticulture. The steep, humus-poor soils, composed of weathered Oberkirch granite with porphyry, retain very little water and force the vines to grow deep into the rock – a prerequisite for the wines’ mineral character. Viticulture on the Staufenberg has been documented since 1399, and as early as 1782, Margrave Carl Friedrich had the first single-varietal Riesling vineyard laid out on the Klingelberg. Whilst the Klingelberg plot is classified as a VDP.GROSSE LAGE, other wines from the Durbacher Schlossberg are classified as VDP.ERSTE LAGE.

The 2013 vintage is described in Baden as a good to very good vintage. The VDP.ERSTE LAGE classification denotes a higher standard of quality that reflects the specific terroir of the Schlossberg. This Pinot Noir is made from strictly selected grapes, underwent traditional long maceration and was matured partly in barriques and partly in older wooden casks.

In 2015, Falstaff awarded the wine 89 points and described it as follows: On the nose, there are aromas of raspberry, cherry stones and marzipan, accompanied by subtle oaky notes. On the palate, it is juicy and silky, with well-integrated acidity. The wine is of medium intensity but powerfully mineral and focused on elegance. The finish is very clean and complex, with a Burgundian character. Further tasting notes highlight aromas of sour cherry, blackberry and a hint of vanilla, as well as finely woven tannins and a pronounced acidity.

The optimal drinking window is given as 2016 to 2021, although the wine benefits from being allowed to breathe for an hour before serving. This wine is recommended as an accompaniment to venison, marinated roast beef, lamb, quail, roast beef or braised meats such as wild duck and wild hare. With its Burgundian-style character and the mineral notes imparted by the granite soil, this Pinot Noir is a striking example of the quality produced by the Markgraf von Baden winery from Durbach’s historic vineyards.