IDIG Königsbach Spätburgunder GG VDP Grosse Lage 2021

A Pinot Noir that holds density and lightness together. The coolness of the 2021 vintage shows in its lean appearance, its power in the spice and in a finish that lasts for several minutes.

The IDIG in Königsbach sits on a Tertiary limestone massif. The topsoil is terra fusca made of limestone and clay, interspersed with limestone rocks and basalt from the Forster Pechsteinkopf, an ancient volcano: the von Buhl family from Deidesheim, former owners of these plots, had the basalt stones brought here 150 years ago. Of the site's 6.5 hectares, 3.9 hectares belong to the Christmann family, with the Pinot Noir planted in the upper section.

Pinot Noir from vines planted in 1977 and 2008, supplemented in 2008 with a French clone from a massal selection. Harvested on 18 and 19 September 2021, spontaneously fermented with 10 percent whole clusters. Aged in barrique until February 2023, 10 percent new oak barrels, bottled in May. 13.0 percent by volume, dry.

The tone is set by plum, morello cherry and sweet cherry, joined by raspberry, blackberry and earthy-sweet beetroot, dark blossoms, cedarwood, forest floor and moss, juniper, black pepper and cardamom, balanced by sage and rosemary, with almond and walnut on the finish. Taut acidity meets fine tannin and firm astringency, the flow stays silky, and the finish lingers for minutes.

Saddle of venison with savoy cabbage, dumplings and cranberry sauce, oven-roasted white cabbage with hollandaise sauce and breadcrumbs, and grilled red mullet with root vegetable purée and toasted hazelnuts.

The A. Christmann winery in Gimmeldingen has existed since 1798 and is run by Steffen and Sophie Christmann. Biodynamic practice since 2003, certified to respekt-BIODYN and EU organic standards.