Meyer-Näkel 2021 Sonnenberg Spätburgunder Grand Cru dry
wine writer for Jancis Robinson
"Mesmerising notes of wild strawberry, blackcurrant and toast, rosemary and rose. Sleek and coiled, this complex wine is slow to come around on the palate. Through the seemingly deliberate reserve one feels the power and momentum coursing within. Elegant tannins and racy acidity. It's not about concentration and charm, rather tension and restraint. Cedar and spice on the long and lingering finish."
Paula Sidore
German Wine Specialist for Jancis Robinson (2023)
17+ points out of 20
VPD. GROSSE LAGE (Grand Cru) is the highest classification of quality for German vineyards. Wines produced from these vineyards have a complex taste, expressive character and excellent aging potential. Dry wines, such as this Spätburgunder Grand Cru dry, from VDP.GROSSER LAGE are called VDP.GROSSES GEWÄCHS.
Wine: A complex Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) with earthy, herbal and pronounced fruity aromas. Flavours of dark and red berries, cherry, pepper and malt combine with a fine acidity and clear minerality to form a full-bodied dry red wine. It has fine tannins, good substance, persistence on the palate and a juicy mineral finish.
Vineyard: The vineyard's name Sonnenberg, meaning Sonne 'sun' and Berg 'mountain hill' speaks for itself. Its steep slopes, which are 100-150 metres above sea level, face south towards to sun. This creates a favourable micro climate and optimum growing conditions, and is the warmest area in the Ahr valley. The soil there is rich in greywacke, slate mixed and loess loam. The demolition edge in the lower area of the layer clearly shows the type of soil. The terroir produces a voluminous Spätburgunder that retains a fruity, elegant character.
Vinification: Old vines, sustainable viticulture, consistent yield reduction and the careful hand picking of the grapes, form the basis for this wine. The yield is around 30 hl/ha. The grapes are gently pressed, fermented, then 20 days maceration time on the mash follows. The wine is matured in barriques (French oak barrels) on the fine yeast for 18 months, then for six months is bottle storage. This Spätburgunder is bottled unfiltered.
Alcohol: 13,0% vol.
Res. sugar: 0,3 gl
Acidity: 5,7 g/l
Drink: 2024 – 2029