Markgraf von Baden - Durbacher Schlossberg Pinot Noir VDP.ERSTE LAGE dry dry 2015 Methuselah 6000ml OWC

Markgraf von Baden - Durbacher Schlossberg Pinot Noir VDP.ERSTE LAGE dry 2015

1. Winery and history

This wine comes from the renowned Markgraf von Baden winery, one of the most historically significant aristocratic wine estates in Germany, which has been family-owned since 1112. The current owner is SKH Bernhard Markgraf von Baden.

The winery is a member of the Association of German Prädikat Wine Estates (VDP) and cultivates a total of around 45 hectares of vineyards, with a focus on Burgundy varieties (54%), followed by Müller-Thurgau (21%) and Riesling (4%). The estate's wines are vinified at two locations: Salem Castle on Lake Constance and Staufenberg Castle in the Ortenau region. The Pinot Noir described here comes from the Ortenau part of the estate.

2. Origin and terroir: the Durbacher Schlossberg

The Durbacher Schlossberg is a VDP.ERSTE LAGE in the municipality of Durbach in the Ortenau wine-growing region . The site benefits from an optimal southern exposure and lies at an altitude of around 250 to 300 metres.

The terroir is characterised by heavily weathered granite and porphyry with occasional layers of loess and loess loam. These weathered soils provide excellent drainage and give the wine its characteristic minerality. The mild climate of the Ortenau, protected by the Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains, favours slow and even ripening of the Pinot Noir grapes.

3. Character and description of the wine

3.1. wine type and style

This is a dry red wine made from the Pinot Noir grape variety. The classification as VDP.ERSTE LAGE stands for an elevated quality level that reflects the specific terroir of the Schlossberg. Unlike a Großes Gewächs (GG), which is subject to stricter criteria, this wine represents the elegant and accessible side of the Erste Lage.

3.2. vinification

Wooden barrels or fermentation vatsare used for the mash fermentation of the Pinot Noir grapes , which ensure pure quality and individuality. The wine is matured in barriques (small wooden barrels), which gives the wine its fine roasted and vanilla flavours.

3.3. technical details

• Alcohol content: 13.0 % vol.

• Residual sugar: approx. 0.7 g/litre (very dry)

• Total acidity: approx. 5.5 g/litre

• Serving temperature: 18 °C

• Price range: approx. 20 - 50 €

3.4. tasting notes

The wine presents itself in the glass in a bright brick red colour (light red) .

• On the nose: a complex aroma of blueberries, blackcurrants and blackberries, accompanied by fine wood barrel notes such as vanilla, cocoa bean and oriental spices. In the GG version, there are also notes of caramel, tar and smoke in a very toasty direction.

• On the palate: The wine is dry, balanced and multi-faceted, with a dense texture. The fruit acidity is balanced and provides a flattering mouthfeel without losing any of its juicy liveliness. The tannin is smoothed and structured. The barrique lends fullness and creaminess without being overpowering. Overall, the wine is powerful and elegant at the same time.

• Finish: The wine has considerable length with renewed hints of blackberry and mulberry as well as mineral notes.

3.5. ratings

Falstaffawarded the 2015 Durbacher Schlossberg Spätburgunder GG (Großes Gewächs) 90 points in the 2018 German Wine Guide . The tasting note read: "Caramel, tar and smoke point in a very toasty direction on the nose... The soft fruit flavour at the start is followed by firm tannins. Moderate acidity and length."
The VDP.ERSTE LAGE has a similar structure, but is somewhat more accessible and less austere than the GG.

The community tasting on CellarTracker also praises the wine: "Aromas of redcurrants, strawberries, vanilla and some tobacco. The flavour is fruity with a very nice acidity."

4. Recommendations for enjoyment

4.1st serving temperature

The wine should be served at 16-18 °C to develop its full spectrum of flavours.

4.2. food pairing

Pinot Noir is a versatile companion and harmonises perfectly with:

• Savoury dishes such as ossobuco or lamb ragout

• Roasts and game

• Cheese platters

• Ham, pork, poultry and grilled meat

4.3. ageing potential

As a 2015 vintage, the wine has already reached a certain maturity. It should be consumedover the next 2-3 years.

4.4. occasion and suitability

The wine is ideal as an upmarket accompaniment to festive meals, as a representative wine for special occasions or as a gift for discerning red wine connoisseurs.

5. Conclusion

The Markgraf von Baden - Durbacher Schlossberg Pinot Noir VDP.ERSTE LAGE trocken 2015is a charming, terroir-driven red wine that combines the strengths of the Pinot Noir grape variety and the quality of the Schlossberg vineyard. With its aromas of dark berries, fine woody notes, balanced acidity and smooth tannins, it offers an all-round successful taste experience.

It may not achieve the rigour of a Großes Gewächs, but it is an authentic, accessible and yet profound wine that reflects the high art of the Markgraf von Baden estate. At a price of around 20-50 euros, it offers excellent value for money and is a clear recommendation for all lovers of elegant German Pinot Noir.