Weingut Heitlinger
Baden, Germany
Pinot Gris Baden VDP
Baden
Pinot Gris
A fresher style with flavors of bright citrus, white peach and delicate white flowers. On the palate a texture reminiscent of fresh apple peels balances the zippy finish creating an overall medium-bodied and easy drinking wine. Well balanced between complexity and approachability.
Points of Interest
Called Grauburgunder, literally “grey burgundy” in German. These varieties were originally brought to Baden in the 12th century by Cistercian monks, both of which had roots in Burgundy. The order was dedicated to the “Rule of Benedict” – Ora et Labora – pray and work which is one of the reasons tending the vineyards was more than just a daily chore here.
Pinot Noir Baden VDP
Baden
Pinot Noir
Between the limestone soils and moderate temperatures, the Kraichgau region in Baden is a virtual Eden for Pinot Noir and one that creates a unique expression of it. The flavors jump out of the glass, full of ripe cherries, red plums and a familiar earthiness that adds to its depth.
Points of Interest
Winemaker Patrick Jacklin’s grandfather, Tony Jacklin was a professional golfer who won both the British and US Open. Today, next to the winery at the Heitlinger Golf Resort, Patrick’s father, Warren, continues that legacy as the head pro connecting the traditions of the Heiler and Jacklin families.
Pinot Noir Konigsbecher GG VDP
Baden
Pinot Noir
Smaller than the La Tache Grand Cru in Burgundy, this German Grand Cru, or Grosse Lagen, is planted solely to Pinot Noir. Wild cherry and black raspberry lead the fruit components while snapped twigs, warm spices and peonies give some classic pinot notes. Blood orange, mushroom and a stony minerality come out on the palate.
Points of Interest
Translated as “King’s Goblet” this was one of the highest medieval endorsement’s, literally “this is what the King drinks,” rightfully earned as the village’s best site. The steep, southerly slope and uniformity of the red marl are just two of the factors contributing to the vineyard’s grandness.
Pinot Meunier Reserve Baden VDP
Baden
Pinot Meunier
As rare as it is to find Pinot Meunier in Germany it is even rarer to find it in the Kraichgau, yet this wine makes a compelling case to plant more here. Sun-ripened, red berries and sweet floral notes dominate the nose while the smooth texture hides a surprisingly long finish.
Points of Interest
Pinot Meunier in Germany is also called Müllerrebe, aka Miller’s Vine, or Schwarzriesling, aka Black Riesling. Meunier and Müller reference the soft, white down found on the underside of the leaves that look like dusted flour. Long thought to be another member of the Pinot family, it was discovered to be a chimeric clone with two sets of DNA, like a fire breathing creature from Ancient Greece.