From: Pflaz, Germany
Blend: Pinot Blanc
Taste: James Suckling and Wine Advocate have rated this wine at 90. A sip reveals a creamy texture accentuated by a touch of acidity. The palate dances with notes of crisp pear and green bean aromas, rounded off with a captivating blend of restrained creaminess and the freshness of red apples. Roasted nuts and saline minerality with terrific, citrusy acidity bring an exciting and satisfying finish.
Pairing: With its signature nutty nose and tendency to show pleasant minerality, Pinot Blanc might be your new favorite white wine. Pair this Pinot Blanc with light chicken dishes, shellfish, or even a comforting plate of corned beef and cabbage; Thai laab gai's sweet lime flavor compliments Pinot Blanc's hints of citrus and light taste.
About: In the heart of Pfalz, Germany, lies a historic estate that has been the bedrock of traditional wine-making in the country. Under the charismatic leadership of Bernd Philippi, the estate was a beacon of old-school wine-making. However, the narrative of the estate took a refreshing turn when it was purchased in 2009 and transitioned into the able hands of Dominik Sona in 2011. With the guidance of cellar master Franziska Schmitt, Sona has upheld the essence of the beautiful, centuries-old cellar, nurturing wines that are intensely flavorful and distinctly old-world.
Koehler-Ruprecht's famed offerings have often encompassed minerally Rieslings, delectable Pinots, and exquisite Chardonnays. Moreover, they've been crafting trocken or dry wines before they were considered fashionable. Their undying dedication to traditional labeling against the evolving preferences of the VDP consortium stands to their commitment. As a result, after an association spanning 80 years, they chose to walk their path, upholding traditions close to their heart.
Kallstadt is home to the iconic Saumagen vineyard, which many wine enthusiasts regard as one of the pinnacle vineyards in Germany. This grand cru site, enriched with marl and limestone, births intense, mineral-driven wines and layered with complexities. Another gem in the estate's crown is the Steinacker or the "stony acre." This 750-year-old terroir is a rough blend of gravelly sandstone and lœss, seated atop a limestone bed, becoming a haven for Pinot varieties and the signature Kabinett Riesling of the estate. However, the crown jewel is undeniably the Saumagen vineyard. With a history of over 200 years, Koehler-Ruprecht proudly owns a prime 4ha parcel on the original South-East facing slope of this 40ha grand cru.
The 2021 Koehler-Ruprecht Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc) Trocken Kabinett embodies meticulous craftsmanship. Made from 100% Pinot Blanc, the wine is vinified to a bone-dry finish but emanates ripe flavors. This late-harvest selection, sourced primarily from the Steinacker and partially from Saumagen, owes its finesse to vines aging between 40 to 50 years. Following a traditional wine-making approach, these grapes undergo spontaneous fermentation on their native yeasts and are aged in neutral stück (1200L oval casks) and halbstück (600L).
