2023 Grünhäuser Pinot Noir VDP.Erstes Gewächs Weingut Maximin Grünhaus Mosel 0.75l

2023 Grünhäuser Pinot Noir VDP.Erstes Gewächs Maximin Grünhaus Winery - Mosel/Ruwer
single-vineyard wine

Origin:

The traditional Maximin Grünhaus winery near Mertesdorf on the Ruwer River boasts a history dating back to 966 , when Emperor Otto I donated the vineyards to the Benedictine monastery of St. Maximin. The estate is still managed by the von Schubert family, who acquired it in the 19th century. The monopoly is famous for its three vineyards : Bruderberg, Herrenberg, and Abtsberg , whose historical hierarchy remains intact to this day: Abtsberg for the abbots, Herrenberg for the choirmasters, and Bruderberg for the monks. While the estate is internationally known primarily for its Rieslings, in recent years it has increasingly cultivated Burgundy varieties , which are now reaching the top of the VDP classifications.

Expansion:

The grapes come from the steep plots of the Abtsberg vineyard, which are rooted in Devonian slate soils . After hand-picking, the grapes were fermented traditionally on the skins, sometimes with whole bunches. Aging took place in French barriques , including a portion of new barrels and wood from the Grünhäuser forest, which is processed by a regional cooper. This gives the wine a delicate balance between fruit, spice, and structure.

Aroma & Taste:

The nose reveals ripe red berries such as cherries and raspberries , along with floral notes of violets and a hint of herbs and black tea. On the palate, the Pinot Noir is silky and clearly structured , with fine acidity and well-integrated tannins. The fruit remains present, accompanied by subtle toasted aromas from the wood. The finish is elegant and minerally marked , with lasting freshness.

Food recommendation:

It pairs perfectly with roasted duck breast with cranberry jus , braised veal ragout with root vegetables , and grilled sea bream with Mediterranean herbs . For a vegetarian option, a mushroom risotto with porcini mushrooms is recommended, and a mature soft cheese like Brie de Meaux harmonizes with the delicate fruit and spice of the wine.

Special features of the 2023 vintage on the Ruwer:

The 2023 year on the Moselle was characterized by a warm spring and summer, followed by a change in the weather at the end of July with heavy rainfall. The Burgundy varieties required particularly careful selection, as drought stress, sunburn, and rapid ripening presented challenges. Thanks to the cool vineyards of the Ruwer Valley, balanced and fruit-focused wines with moderate alcohol levels were harvested. Overall, 2023 is considered a challenging but successful vintage for Pinot Noir, requiring precise work in the vineyard.

Conclusion:

With the Grünhäuser Pinot Noir VDP.Erstes Gewächs , the Maximin Grünhaus winery demonstrates that its monopoly vineyards are predestined for more than just Riesling. The wine combines the tradition of the Ruwert terroir with the elegance of Burgundy style, positioning itself as a stylish ambassador for a new red wine line. Available now, it has the potential for several years of bottle aging , complementing the winery's portfolio in a contemporary way.