Spätburgunder: Understanding Germany's Pinot Noir (2024)

Understanding Germany’s Pinot Noir

Spätburgunder, also known as Pinot Noir, is a popular red wine grape variety that has found its way into the hearts of wine enthusiasts around the world. This grape variety is known for its complexity, finesse, and elegant flavours, making it a favourite among those who appreciate a fine wine. Although Pinot Noir is grown in various regions worldwide, Germany is considered one of the best countries to produce it. In this blog, we will explore the history, flavour profile, and one of our spätburgunder producer, Neiss.

History of Spätburgunder

The history of the spätburgunder can be traced back to the Burgundy region in France, where it was first grown during the Roman era. The grape variety has since spread to other parts of the world, including Germany, where it was introduced during the Middle Ages. Today, spätburgunder is widely grown in various German wine regions, including the Ahr, Baden, and Pfalz. The grape variety is considered one of the most important red wine grape varieties in Germany and is often compared to the top Pinot Noirs from Burgundy.

Flavour Profile of Spätburgunder

Spätburgunder is a grape variety that produces wines with a range of flavours, depending on the region and the winemaker. However, some common flavours associated with spätburgunder include:

• 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.

Spätburgunder is also known for its complex and layered flavours, which can develop over time with age. The wine’s tannins are typically soft and silky, giving it a smooth mouthfeel.

Our Producer Neiss, who is Specialised in Spätburgunder

Neiss is a family-owned winery located in the Pfalz region of Germany. The winery has been producing wines for over 400 years and is known for its high-quality spätburgunder. Neiss’ vineyards are located in the village of Kindenheim, where the soil is a mix of sandstone and limestone, providing the perfect growing conditions for spätburgunder.

Neiss produces several spätburgunder wines, including:

• Neiss Spätburgunder Trocken: This wine is made from grapes grown in the estate’s vineyards and is aged in oak barrels for 12 months. It has flavours of cherries, raspberries, and spices, with a smooth finish.
• Neiss Pergament Spätburgunder: This wine is made from grapes grown in the estate’s oldest vineyards, which are over 80 years old. It is aged in oak barrels for 18 months and has flavours of red fruit, earthy notes, and spices, with a long finish.
• Neiss Burgweg Spätburgunder: This wine is made from grapes grown in the Burgweg vineyard, which is known for its limestone soil. It is aged in oak barrels for 20 months and has flavours of cherries and spices, and has some earthy notes with a complex finish.

In conclusion

Spätburgunder is a grape variety that should be on every wine lover’s radar. Its versatility, distinct flavour profile, and aging potential make it an excellent addition to any wine collection. And if you’re looking for a tasty spätburgunder, look no further than Neiss, a producer with a long history of producing high-quality wines that are sure to impress.

Check out, the Spätburgunder Bockenheim 2019 from Neiss:

Spätburgunder Bockenheim 2019 is accessible and best to drink a bit chilled. With a touch of green herbs, dark fruit and nicely integrated tannins due to the use of oak, this is the perfect wine for every moment.