Wines Mittelhaardt Dr. Bürklin-Wolf - Gerumpel - 2016

Dr. Bürklin-Wolf's 2016 Cuvée Gerumpel, grown in the esteemed Mittelhaardt area of the Pfalz, is a striking example of white wine from one of Germany’s most respected estates. While details about the exact blend are not formally disclosed, the domain is renowned for its mastery of indigenous varieties, with Riesling being the predominant grape in the region. This particular bottling exudes a sense of terroir, shaped by the temperate 2016 vintage—a year marked by a balanced growing season and healthy yields. The winemaking philosophy at Bürklin-Wolf leans towards minimal intervention, often allowing wild yeast fermentations and careful handling to express both purity and depth in the finished wine, which here presents a poised and mineral-driven personality accented by lively acidity and a refined, dry finish.

Pfalz itself is one of Germany’s premier wine regions and the Mittelhaardt subregion, in particular, is famed for its well-draining sandstone and limestone soils. The relatively warm, dry climate compared to other German wine regions provides an excellent backdrop for producing concentrated, textured whites. Winegrowing in the Pfalz dates back to Roman times, and estates like Dr. Bürklin-Wolf are at the forefront of a renaissance in quality, further elevating the historical prestige of the Mittelhaardt vineyards.

For culinary pairings, this dry style of Pfalz white suits a wide variety of dishes but truly shines with regional fare such as trout with almond butter, white asparagus with hollandaise, or mild cheeses. It is also a wonderful match for seafood, poultry, or even sushi, thanks to its crisp acidity and mineral backbone.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine well-chilled but not too cold, ideally around 9-11°C. Allow it a few minutes in the glass to open up, and you will be rewarded with increasing layers of aroma and texture as it breathes.