Wines Baden Spätburgunder trocken - 2023

Viniou Reviews

The 2023 Spätburgunder trocken from Baden is a prime example of Germany's flair for crafting elegant, dry red wines from the Pinot Noir grape. Spätburgunder, the German name for Pinot Noir, thrives in Baden's favourable southern climate. This particular vintage is characterised by its fresh red fruit aromas – think ripe cherries and wild strawberries – framed by subtle earthy and floral hints. Vinified in a dry style, the wine displays a lively acidity and silky tannins, enhancing its vibrant profile and providing an elegant, precise finish. The absence of residual sugar highlights the grape's purity, capturing the essence of the terroir with finesse.

Baden, Germany’s warmest wine region, stretches along the eastern edge of the Rhine River. The area benefits from generous sunshine hours, making it particularly suited to Pinot Noir cultivation. Soils here vary from loess to volcanic origins, enabling complexity and depth in the wines while still preserving freshness. The region has a rich vinous history, influenced by both French and German traditions, and it is renowned for producing some of Germany’s most respected reds. Baden's dedication to quality and modern winemaking techniques has enabled its Spätburgunders to gain international recognition for their balance and nuance.

For food pairings, a Baden Spätburgunder trocken pairs beautifully with roasted poultry such as duck or chicken, grilled pork tenderloin, or lightly spiced game dishes like venison. Mushroom-based dishes, particularly with cream or forest flavours, will highlight the wine's earthy nuances. Regional cuisine such as Badische Schäufele (smoked pork shoulder) or Flammkuchen, a thin regional tart with onions and bacon, would also be particularly delicious. The wine’s moderate structure and tangy freshness make it a versatile partner for a variety of dishes, from charcuterie boards to grilled vegetables.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at a cool yet not too cold temperature, around 14-16°C. This will preserve the aromatic finesse while allowing the delicate tannins and subtle complexity to unfold fully in the glass. A brief decanting of 20-30 minutes can help to express its youthful vibrancy and aromatic clarity.