Rosenkranz, Rheingau, Spätburgunder Trocken 2021

Descrizione

Spectacular winemaking and a very, very fine alternative to Village-level Burgundy at a snip of the price.

This really is accomplished Burgundian-rivalling Pinot from the Rheingau – a region that must be partially thankful at least for the change in global climate. Benefitting from more consistent dry periods and higher annual temperatures, the steep slopes of the Rheingau capture the best of the heat from the sun’s reflected rays and the release of its heat from the shallow river during nighttime. 

This red therefore is riper than previous examples that, even a decade ago, were often lighter and fresher to a not-very-convincing Pinot Noir style; it is broad and elegant, leaving not any space for querying its authenticity or credibility – this is complex and charming, full of red berry, summer fruits flavours peppered with notes of integrated culinary spice and forest-floor. It is as fine a Pinot in this cool-climate style as we’ve had for a long, long time.

Made by up and coming star winemaker Clemens Rosenkranz at his family winery in Hochheim, at the historic heart of the Rheingau, this is a Pinot Noir that will seriously impress any who get the chance to taste it with serious Burgundian-like calibre, finesse and complexity. 

This is made with 10% whole bunch clusters in a very post-modern manner, with 12 months in large French oak Pièces, 20% of which were new. The region for the Pinot Noir that Clemens grows is in the Upper Rheingau in the town in Hochheim, which is closer to the river Main, which in turn changes the soils to those heavier in limestone, making them more fertile. It is also a little warmer, which in the growing of Burgundian varieties, and dry wine styles at a broader level, is a very good thing!