Herxheimer Honigsack Spätburgunder 1G 2024

Medium garnet red. An open, inviting Spätburgunder with silky, ripe fruit: ripe wild strawberry and raspberry preserve, sweet cherries, violet blossom and sweet yeast. The wine has depth while feeling weightless at the same time, with tannin that is noticeable yet fine. It offers complexity while inviting generous sips.

The Herxheimer Honigsack is a vineyard situated at around 250 metres above sea level. Only about 30 centimetres of topsoil cover the solid tertiary limestone bedrock. The Odinstal estate itself is located in Wachenheim, 350 metres above the Rhine valley, in a hollow enclosed by mixed forest, spanning four rock types across five hectares. Estate manager Andreas Schumann has run this VDP estate since 2013 under Demeter certification and strict biodynamic viticulture.

Single-varietal Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder) from vines planted in 2008. The grapes were 30 percent destemmed and fermented spontaneously for around ten days without pump-overs, more akin to a tea infusion. In the cellar, Schumann follows a principle of non-intervention: spontaneous fermentation without temperature control, minimal use of sulphur. The oak is carefully chosen and stays discreet, with a hint of vanilla.

The open-hearted character of the nose is confirmed: cherries and raspberries, a fine violet note, a sweet core, plus fresh yet round acidity. The barrel contributes spices, and the tannin carries through fine and without edges.

The first Spätburgunder from the Odinstal estate, a more than accomplished debut. The label bears the Demeter logo. Dry-finished, 12.5% vol.