Wines Aargau PDO Baumgartner Weingut - Pinot Noir Grand Cru Edelblut - 2020

Viniou Reviews

The 2020 Baumgartner Weingut Cuvée Pinot Noir Grand Cru Edelblut from Aargau AOC is a Swiss red wine that beautifully exemplifies the finesse and elegance for which Pinot Noir from cooler climates is renowned. Crafted predominantly from carefully selected Pinot Noir grapes, this Grand Cru cuvée offers expressive aromatic complexity, typically showcasing delicate notes of ripe red cherry, wild strawberry, and subtle earthy undertones, accompanied by refined tannins and a gentle, lingering finish. The 2020 vintage enjoyed a growing season marked by mild temperatures and balanced rainfall, allowing for excellent physiological ripeness while retaining vibrant acidity. Vinification at Baumgartner Weingut emphasises minimal intervention and respect for the fruit, often involving hand-harvesting, gentle extraction, and ageing in French oak barrels, which impart a discreet toasted nuance and enhance the wine's structure without overwhelming its varietal charm.

Aargau, situated in northern Switzerland along the banks of the Aare River, benefits from a temperate continental climate with cool evenings that help preserve acidity in the grapes. The region's diverse soils, rich in limestone and clay, contribute an elegant minerality and structure to local wines. While Aargau might be less globally famous than other Swiss regions like Valais or Vaud, its viticulture is deeply rooted in history, tracing back to Roman times. Today, Aargau is celebrated for its precise, aromatic whites and ethereal Pinot Noir reds, with top producers such as Baumgartner bringing international recognition to the area.

This Pinot Noir Grand Cru is at its best when paired with dishes that complement its finesse rather than overpower it. Consider roasted poultry such as guinea fowl or duck breast with a cherry reduction, or classic Swiss specialities like Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (veal in creamy sauce) and rösti. Mushroom-based recipes, delicate game birds, or a simple Charcuterie board with Gruyère and Alpine cheeses also make harmonious companions.

Serve this wine slightly chilled to maximise its aromatic expression and freshness, ideally between 14-16°C. Decanting for 30 minutes prior to serving will help the wine open up and reveal its subtle aromatic layers. Enjoy now for its youthful fruit or cellar for another 3-5 years for added tertiary complexity.