Travel plans for the Kaiserstuhl in Baden

If all goes according to plan, my wife and I will be travelling to the Kaiserstuhl region of Baden in two weeks’ time. The Kaiserstuhl is a chain of more than ten hills in southwest Germany and a well-known wine-growing region for Burgundian grape varieties, especially Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. The predominant soil types are volcanic stones with a layer of loess. I’ll make sure to take a photo of the impressive terraces that were constructed to plant the vines.

I am most looking forward to a tasting at the Salwey winery, which I will report on soon! It’s not so easy to find an interesting pinot gris, but I’ve heard encouraging things about theirs. As far as pinot noirs are concerned, their reputation is excellent.

Because of the proximity to Alsace, which is only a short drive across the Rhine, we are also going to visit the beautiful town of Colmar in France. Whether I will have the opportunity to taste some Alsatian wines as well remains to be seen.

More details coming soon!

2010 Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr Pinot Noir Cuvée 8

EN: Transparent, dark red Pinot colour with brick red rim. This aged wine still beguiles with a red berry fruity aroma accompanied by leather and a slight spiciness that gets better with every minute in the glass. In the mouth a slender body with soft tannins. On the palate, fruity sour cherry that lasts long. Very marked by the fruit and supported by a well integrated acidity. We finally had the Pinot Noir with a rustic ragout of leg of lamb with rosemary, mushrooms and pasta. As a food companion, the wine could stand out even more. Had I known that this 2010 was shining so brightly at the moment, I certainly would have gotten myself more than one bottle. Drink now through 2025. DM91.

DE: Transparente, dunkelrote Pinotfarbe mit ziegelrotem Rand. Dieser gealterte Wein betört immer noch mit einem rotbeerigen, fruchtigen Aroma, begleitet von Leder und einer leichten Würze, die mit jeder Minute im Glas besser wird. Im Mund ein schlanker Körper mit weichen Tanninen. Am Gaumen fruchtige Sauerkirsche, die lange anhält. Sehr geprägt von der Frucht und unterstützt von einer gut integrierten Säure. Wir haben den Pinot Noir schließlich zu einem rustikalen Ragout von der Lammkeule mit Rosmarin, Pilzen und Nudeln getrunken. Als Essensbegleiter konnte der Wein noch besser zur Geltung kommen. Hätte ich gewusst, dass dieser 2010er im Moment so sehr glänzt, hätte ich mir sicherlich mehr als eine Flasche gekauft. Jetzt bis 2025 trinken. DM91.

2010 Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr Pinot Noir Cuvée 8