Petite Chapelle Pinot Noir 2020

The Petite Chapelle Pinot Noir 2020 is a dry Pinot Noir from the southern tip of the Tuniberg near Freiburg. It favors clarity over weight: ripe red cherry and wild raspberry, followed by a spicy, slightly earthy note and a touch of damp forest floor. At 13 percent alcohol, it remains slender and easy-drinking.

Klaus and Maj Britt Vorgrimmler farm 3.2 hectares on the sun-drenched southern tip of the Tuniberg. The fertile loess soil stores warmth and gives the Burgundy varieties power while preserving their finesse. 65 percent of the vineyard area is planted with Pinot Noir, complemented by Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay. Alfalfa, buckwheat, and various clovers grow between the vine rows, enriching the soil with nutrients.

Pure varietal Pinot Noir, hand-harvested. Klaus Vorgrimmler ferments this red wine in an open vat on the skins, using the natural yeast flora of his own vineyards. The estate has farmed organically since 1985 and has been Demeter-certified since 2006; vineyard work follows the lunar phases of Maria Thun's calendar.

Juicy red fruit, fine-grained, softly woven tannin, and a lively acidity that carries the wine. The finish remains mineral in character and lingers longer than the wine's slender weight would suggest.

With duck breast, saddle of venison, or veal fillet, as well as with mushroom dishes such as porcini risotto and with aged mountain cheese.

The label carries the Demeter logo. As a demonstration estate for the German Federal Ministry of Consumer Protection, Food and Agriculture, the winery publicly showcases its biodynamic working methods, including through vineyard walks.