Pinot Noir SR Reserve 2022

A Pinot Noir that favours clarity over power: lively, fresh, with ripe fruit and a cool pull. Vinified dry, 13.0% vol.

Klaus and Maj Britt Vorgrimmler cultivate 3.2 hectares at the sun-drenched southern tip of the Tuniberg near Freiburg. The fertile loess soil stores the sun's warmth and lends strength and finesse to the Burgundy varieties. The estate has farmed organically since 1985 and biodynamically to Demeter standards since 2006, guided by Maria Thun's lunar calendar. Alfalfa, buckwheat and various clover varieties between the vine rows nourish the soil. As a demonstration farm for the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the winemaking couple passes on their methods.

The Reserve brings together various clones from Burgundy selected over the past twenty years. Hand-harvested, yield of 30 to 40 litres. The healthy berries were destemmed, with the whole-cluster portion at 20 percent. After an initial carbonic maceration, the wine fermented slowly with the wild yeasts of the estate's own vineyards, for around 14 days, with minimal pigeage. Pressing was done with a small vertical press, followed by twelve months in barrique with 20 percent new oak.

On the nose, soft fruit of cranberries, figs, cherries and wild raspberries, along with forest leaves and tree bark, a touch of graphite and woodsmoke. On the palate, this impression is confirmed: invigorating pinot acidity, fine fruit sweetness, a light flow across the tongue.

With roasted duck breast, game, chanterelles or porcini mushrooms, and with aged Comté.

No sulphur is used in the vineyard, and only a minimum at bottling. The wine remains unfiltered, and the label carries the Demeter logo.