Get to Know Spätburgunder, a.k.a. German Pinot Noir (2024)

FAQs

Is Spätburgunder the same as Pinot Noir? ›

The German word for Pinot Noir is Spätburgunder, translating to “late” (spät), referring to the grape's later ripening when compared to other Pinot clones, and Burgundy (Burgunder), the antiquated term for Pinot Noir.

Spätburgunder is the German name for Pinot Noir, and means literally 'late Burgundy', in reference to its ripening time and origin.

Say It With Me: Spätburgunder is German for Pinot Noir. As Burgundy prices keep rising, Pinot Noir fans should look north toward Germany and its Spätburgunder.

This is accepted as the best class of grapes with which to make Spätburgunder. Trocken: Literally meaning “dry”, most Ahr Valley Spätburgunder will fall under this category.

While Pinot Noir is known for its red wine characteristics, Pinot Gris takes on a different persona as a white wine. It showcases its distinct personality, setting it apart from its red counterpart. Our cool climate single-vineyard Pinot Gris reflects the terroir and vintage, just like any other wine we produce.

Flavour Profile of Spätburgunder

Red fruit flavours, such as cherries, strawberries, and raspberries. Earthy flavours, such as forest, mushrooms, and truffles. Spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Floral notes, such as rose petals and violets.

In French, Pinot Noir means “black pine cone,” Pinot Blanc means “white pine cone” and Pinot Gris means “gray pine cone” — though this grape's color actually falls somewhere between gray, blue, and purple.

Rounding out the Pinot 'trio,' slightly tannic German Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder) pairs well with grilled fish, smoked meats, and more. Check out our tasting notes and pairing recommendations for Germany's hallmark grapes below.

It's one of France's oldest grapes, cultivated more than a century ago by the Cistercian monks in Burgundy. Today, collectors prize Pinot Noir for its finesse and ageworthiness, especially from the most famous vineyards in Burgundy.

A finicky nature, susceptibility to disease yet irresistible charm has earned pinot noir its nickname 'the heartbreak grape'.

What does noir mean in Pinot Noir? ›

Pinot Noir is pronounced “pee-no nwär,” and the name comes from the words “pinot,” for “pine,” and “noir” for “black.” That already hints at some of the flavors and colors you can expect from the wine. But Pinot Noir's meaning also makes sense if you look at the shape and color of its grapes.

You might be more familiar with the French or Italian names, Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio, but in Germany the grape is called Grauburgunder. The German name, Grauburgunder, translates to “Grey Burgundian.”

Today, Pinot Blanc makes up 5.4% of the country's entire vineyard area, making it Germany's 4th most widely planted white variety. The German name, Weissburgunder, translates to White Burgundian, reflecting the grape's likely origins in Burgundy, France.

Riesling (/ˈriːslɪŋ, ˈriːzlɪŋ/ REE-sling, REEZ-ling, German: [ˈʁiːslɪŋ]) is a white grape variety that originated in the Rhine region. Riesling is an aromatic grape variety displaying flowery, almost perfumed, aromas as well as high acidity.

Gamay, found most notably in Beaujolais, is a light-bodied red wine that's similar in taste to Pinot Noir. In fact, this variety is a cousin of Pinot Noir and it grows primarily next to Burgundy, France (Pinot motherland) in a region called Beaujolais.

Burgundy (as you know) is the name of the French wine region, and “red Burgundy” refers to the Pinot Noir wines produced here.

The Italian equivalent of pinot noir is 'pinot nero'. The pinot comes from the French word for “pine” referencing the tight clusters of grapes that look similar to pinecones and “noir” means black in reference to the color of its dark fruit.