2019 Spätburgunder, Gundersheimer, Erste Lage, Wittmann, Rheinhessen, Germany

Weingut Wittmann

Weingut Wittmann is situated in the Rheinhessen region, Germany's largest wine-producing region. The winery has gained international recognition for producing high-quality, predominantly organic and biodynamic wines, committed to sustainable and eco-friendly winemaking practices. Philipp Wittmann has been a strong advocate for organic and biodynamic farming, and the winery has significantly reduced the use of synthetic chemicals in its vineyards.

The winery owns vineyards in some of the most esteemed locations in the Rheinhessen, including the famous Westhofener Morstein and Westhofener Aulerde vineyards. These sites are known for their exceptional terroir and can produce outstanding Riesling wines.

Rheinhessen

Situated in southwestern Germany, Rheinhessen is the country's largest and one of the most prominent wine regions. It's known for its rich winemaking heritage and diverse terroirs, significantly contributing to the nation's wine production.

Rheinhessen covers a vast area, with vineyards extending along the banks of the Rhine River. It's located in Rhineland-Palatinate and neighbours other well-known wine regions such as the Pfalz and the Rheingau.

The region benefits from a temperate continental climate with relatively mild temperatures. This climate, along with the moderating influence of the Rhine River, provides a favourable environment for grape cultivation.

Rheinhessen is home to a diverse range of grape varieties. While Riesling is the most celebrated, other grapes like Silvaner, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir are also cultivated. The region's versatility in grape varieties allows for producing a broad spectrum of wine styles, from dry and crisp whites to fruity reds.

The soils vary throughout the region. Loess, limestone, and clay soils are prevalent, contributing to the diverse terroirs that influence the characteristics of the wines.

Like many wine regions worldwide, Rheinhessen has embraced sustainable and eco-friendly winemaking practices. Several wineries, such as Weingut Wittmann, have gained international recognition for their commitment to organic and biodynamic farming. These practices prioritize environmentally responsible viticulture and have resulted in high-quality, terroir-driven wines.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is probably the most frustrating, and at times infuriating, wine grape in the world. However when it is successful, it can produce some of the most sublime wines known to man. This thin-skinned grape which grows in small, tight bunches performs well on well-drained, deepish limestone based subsoils as are found on Burgundy's Côte d'Or.

Pinot Noir is more susceptible than other varieties to over cropping - concentration and varietal character disappear rapidly if yields are excessive and yields as little as 25hl/ha are the norm for some climats of the Côte d`Or.

Because of the thinness of the skins, Pinot Noir wines are lighter in colour, body and tannins. However the best wines have grip, complexity and an intensity of fruit seldom found in wine from other grapes. Young Pinot Noir can smell almost sweet, redolent with freshly crushed raspberries, cherries and redcurrants. When mature, the best wines develop a sensuous, silky mouth feel with the fruit flavours deepening and gamey "sous-bois" nuances emerging.

The best examples are still found in Burgundy, although Pinot Noir`s key role in Champagne should not be forgotten. It is grown throughout the world with notable success in the Carneros and Russian River Valley districts of California, and the Martinborough and Central Otago regions of New Zealand.