2023 Mertesdorf Abtsberg Pinot Noir VDP.Grosses Gewächs Weingut Maximin Grünhaus Mosel 0.75l

2023 Mertesdorf Abtsberg Pinot Noir VDP.Grosses Gewächs Weingut Maximin Grünhaus - Mosel/Ruwer
single-vineyard wine

Origin:

The Maximin Grünhaus winery looks back on over a thousand years of history: As early as 966, Emperor Otto I donated the vineyards to the Benedictine monastery of St. Maximin in Trier . Since the 19th century, the estate has been owned by the von Schubert family, who still manage it today. The monopoly on the three connected vineyard sites of Bruderberg, Herrenberg, and Abtsberg , whose names were given by the monks according to a kind of hierarchy, is famous. The Abtsberg has always been considered the prime vineyard —its wines were reserved for the abbots and still enjoy the reputation of a German "Grand Cru." Here, on steep slopes with gradients of up to 70% and blue slate soils, long-lasting, complex wines with a clear mineral character are produced.

Expansion:

The Pinot Noir comes from the steepest plots of the Abtsberg, which were planted in 2007 with a blend of clones from Burgundy, Freiburg, and Geisenheim . After traditional mash fermentation , partly with whole bunches, the wine matured for 18 to 24 months in French barriques , of which around 25% was new wood , supplemented by second-use barrels and barrels made from Grünhäuser's own oak. This long aging gives the wine both structure and finesse. 2022 was the first vintage as a VDP Grosses Gewächs (VDP Grosses Gewächs), marking the culmination of the long development of this Pinot Noir line.

Aroma & Taste:

The nose reveals dense, deep berry fruit with notes of blackberries, cassis, and elderberries , along with lavender, violets, licorice, and a hint of black tea . On the palate, the wine is silky and creamy , carried by dark berry fruit and a fine, spicy minerality from the slate. The tannins are present, yet polished and well-integrated; the acidity provides elegance and freshness. The finish is long, mineral, and floral , with subtle hints of violets and a clear herbal spice. A Pinot Noir that combines power and finesse.

Food recommendation:

It's ideal with grilled lamb with rosemary , braised venison ragout with cranberries , or roasted duck breast with lavender jus . A mushroom risotto with porcini mushrooms or a mature Munster cheese also harmonize perfectly with the combination of fruit, spice, and minerality.

Special features of the 2023 vintage on the Ruwer:

The 2023 vintage in Germany was characterized by a warm summer and intense sunshine, while alcohol levels remained moderate. Unlike in extremely hot years like 2003 or 2018, the wines display freshness, elegance, and harmonious acidity despite the warmth. In the Ruwer Valley, the interplay of old vineyards, precise viticulture, and selective harvesting resulted in finely balanced, dense, yet cool wines . Overall, 2023 is considered a very good, elegant vintage with great potential.

Conclusion:

The Abtsberg Pinot Noir VDP.GG marks a new chapter in Maximin Grünhaus's history: For the first time, a Pinot Noir from the Mosel is being presented in the league of Grand Crus. The wine combines the Abtsberg tradition with a modern interpretation of Burgundian style and impressively demonstrates that the Ruwer region produces not only Riesling but also Pinot Noir of the highest caliber . Available now, it possesses great aging potential and is considered an ambassador for the new red wine culture on the Mosel .