Tasting Notes: 

This wine was fermented in in stainless steel and went through malo-lactic or secondary fermentation in small format barrels and aged in the larger Barrique. This allows the higher acid to soften and helps the wine develop complexity. Being from a cooler climate grape can often struggle to ripen. So this lovely Pinot Noir clocks in at 12.5% alcohol. 

Light ruby in color, bright fresh fruit, reminds me a little of grape bubblicious and I mean that in the best way, like childhood nostalgia. On the plate is it light fresh berries and an easy finish.

Kruezberg Wines: 

The wine-growing estate of H.J. Kreuzberg was founded in 1953 by Hermann-Josef Kreuzberg Sr. – who was at the time the general manager of the Wine-Grower’s Association of Dernau. Today, the business is one of the most renowned estates in the Ahr region and  one of the best 100 estates in Germany. 

Spatburgunder AKA Pinot Noir: 

While Pinot Noir may not be a big, powerful, richly tannic wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, its flavors are certainly not weak or feeble. They may be softer and more refined but they are still rich and complex and lush. In fact, Pinot Noir is rarely blended with any other grapes because it is so complex all on its own. Pinot has a unique ability to adapt to its surroundings and showcase the region in which it was grown. Of all the classic wine grapes Pinot Noir is the most difficult to grow. It mutates easily in the vineyard, is sensitive to the slightest climate variations, and it can be unstable during winemaking. This tendency to mutate means that Pinot has spawned hundreds of different clones and even different varietals.

Arh Valley, Germany: 

The Ahr valley is one of Germany’s northernmost, smallest and least known winemaking regions. But luckily that last part is starting to change. 

This region lies immediately north of the Mosel and follows the Ahr River in the final stages of its journey towards the confluence with the Rhine. One might expect that a wine region this far north, actually sitting at the 50th parallel, would specialize in white wine. But instead this is a region where red wines thrive. With a tiny vineyard area of roughly 1,300 acres all situated along the banks and steep slopes of the river, Pinot Noir aka Spatburgunder, accounts for 50% of the total production. 

Food & Wine Pairing: 

As for food pairings, its bright acidity and rich fruit character lends itself well to both delicate and rich plates alike, like grilled or roasted white meat. With its lower tannins, Spätburgunder can even be served alongside rich fish dishes like salmon or halibut, as well as creamy pasta dishes. But if you are a red wine drinker, so riesling isn't your thing, Spatburgunder is a perfect pairing for Schnitzel. 

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