Wines Ahr Meyer-Näkel - Frühburgunder - 2021

Viniou Reviews

Meyer-Näkel’s 2021 Frühburgunder from the Ahr is a striking example of this rare varietal. Frühburgunder, a natural mutation of Pinot Noir, ripens earlier and yields a wine with a deep ruby hue and seductive aromatics. In this particular vintage, the nose is fragrant with ripe forest berries, violets, and a hint of delicate spice, while the palate is elegant and silky, offering supple tannins and a refined acidity. The wine embodies balance and finesse, with nuanced smoky notes and a lingering, fresh finish. Meticulous vinification, including gentle extraction and careful aging in used oak barrels, preserves the grape’s purity and highlights the delicate expression typical of Frühburgunder.

The Ahr region is Germany’s pre-eminent enclave for red wines, despite its northern latitude. Hugging the river of the same name, vineyards benefit from steep, south-facing slopes and heat-retaining slate soils, which help ripen early-budding varieties like Frühburgunder. The area has a proud history of Pinot-style reds, once highly prized among German nobility and rediscovered over the last few decades through committed producers such as Meyer-Näkel. Despite its compact size, the region’s combination of a mild microclimate, mineral-rich soils, and passionate winemakers produces wines of exceptional delicacy and character.

For food pairing, this Frühburgunder is ideal with refined dishes that echo its elegance. Roasted duck breast with cherry sauce, veal tenderloin with wild mushrooms, or guinea fowl in a red wine reduction are excellent choices. It also shines with lighter game and regional classics such as Sauerbraten or a porcini mushroom ragout. Adventurous pairings might include grilled salmon or even slightly spicy Asian duck dishes, as the wine’s subtle body and vibrant fruit can handle complex flavours.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine lightly chilled, between 14-16°C. Decanting for 30 minutes before tasting will allow the aromatic profile to fully unfold, showcasing the Frühburgunder’s charm and Meyer-Näkel’s masterful touch.