2022 Chardonnay dry Florian Reus Franconia 0.75l

2022 Chardonnay dry Florian Reus - Franconia
Estate wine

Origin:

The Florian Reus winery is located in the heart of Franconia , a region characterized by its calcareous soils and cool microclimate. Reus practices uncompromising artisanal methods, focusing on natural cultivation , extensive manual labor, and minimal intervention in the cellar. Around a quarter of the vineyards are cultivated entirely without machinery – plant protection is carried out using the traditional "by foot" method with a hump-back sprayer. The focus is clearly on the vineyard: small-berried, concentrated grapes with thicker skins, which are predestined for long-lasting, characterful wines.

Expansion:

The Chardonnay grapes were harvested by hand and pressed using an old, purely mechanical basket press – a method that ensures targeted must oxidation. Spontaneous fermentation took place in barriques without temperature control. The wine then matured for 12 months on the full lees in wooden barrels , without batonnage or fining. It then aged for another 8 months on the fine lees in stainless steel before being bottled unfiltered and with minimal sulfur .

Aroma & Taste:

On the nose, the wine displays a balance of ripe pear, yellow apple, and citrus zest , along with roasted nuts, brioche, and delicate herbal aromas . On the palate, the Chardonnay is dense and creamy, but never heavy : fresh acidity keeps it taut, while fine wood spice and a delicate reduction add complexity and depth . The finish is long, salty and mineral, and elegantly creamy .

Food recommendation:

A versatile accompaniment, ideal with grilled turbot with herb butter , poultry in a creamy sauce , mushroom risotto , or mature Comté . Equally exciting with roasted vegetarian dishes like grilled cauliflower or pumpkin.

Special features of the 2022 vintage in Franconia:

After a promising start , six hot and dry weeks slowed the vines' progress. Many winemakers had to intervene heavily in leaf removal. From September onward, cooler weather and rain followed, causing the grapes to literally "juice up." The result: a surprisingly good harvest with healthy grapes . The white wines are fruity, light-hearted, and open-hearted – wines that provide early pleasure and clearly express their varietal character.

Conclusion:

Florian Reus's 2022 dry Chardonnay is a prime example of artisanal Franconian wine : puristic, full of character, and easy to drink. It combines the power and creaminess of a barrique-aged Chardonnay with the clear minerality of Franconian limestone soils . A wine that immediately captivates, but also has ageing potential—a true long-distance runner with soul and heritage.