Our red wine selection is not (yet) as large as the white wine selection, but that will change in the next few decades. The changed climatic conditions mean that red wine can now be produced in extremely good quality even in the more northern latitudes. We are adapting to this by reforming our vineyards little by little. We currently grow red wine on just over 20% of our vineyards. Anyone who loves red wine should therefore keep an eye on us. In addition to our full-bodied gourmet wines, Merlot and Pinot Noir we also have the wonderful premium wine Saint Laurent , which has been awarded by well-known wine critics!
Only selected wines mature in barrique barrels at our winery. A barrique barrel with a height of 1.20m contains a whopping 225 litres of wine. It costs (empty!) between 800 and 3,800 euros, depending on which oak is used. You can choose between French, German, American or Canadian oak, and each one provides a completely different flavour. We use American oak, sometimes French oak too.
There are three reasons for storing wine in barrique barrels:
- It offers the possibility of micro-oxidation (ie a little oxygen passes through the wooden wall and reacts with the wine)
- The tannin in red wine (which gives it its bitter taste) is "broken", making the taste of the wine softer and rounder
- Wonderful roasted aromas are created because the barrels are "toasted" (that's actually what it's called!) before use. In the past, they were burned out over a fire, but today this can be done mechanically using an infrared lamp.
The barrels can be used for 20 to 30 years until they no longer release any flavor. Our Merlot was awarded " Best Collection " in 2021 by the DLG ( German Food Society ) together with four other barrique wines from our winery: 2019 Pinot Noir , 2019 Pinot Noir , 2020 Weißburgunder and 2020 Chardonnay .
This is what wine experts say:
"Deep dark red with violet hues; the scent reveals an exciting spiciness of herbs and pepper in combination with the fruity influences of cherry and plum; on the palate, the spicy tannin structure is supported by a balanced acidity and fine fruitiness; strong and long finish." DLG Federal Wine Award, Frankfurt, 10/2021
"Dark carmine red with violet reflections; the nose presents aromas of morello cherry, wild berries and currants paired with fine vanilla and roasted aromas; the complex tannin structure and the mild, harmonious acidity give the wine a full-bodied overall impression." DLG Federal Wine Award , Frankfurt am Main, 08/2019
"On the nose, a pleasant interplay between cherry, clove and dark chocolate with hints of tobacco and cedar wood. Elegant in the mouth, but with a beautiful, strong structure and present tannin. Distinct roasted aromas paired with liquorice and hints of red pepper. Goes well with leg of lamb, rump steak with fried potatoes and pepper sauce, strong cheese/parmesan..." Dr. Rolf Klein, experienced wine author and former editor-in-chief of the magazine "Weinwelt".
Awards:
vintage 2018
(APNr. 5073053 2221)
- Best Collection "matured in (barrique) barrels" *
- Golden DLG Prize awarded and prized by the DLG - Federal Wine Awards.
2016 vintage
(APNr. 5073053 4018)
- Golden DLG Prize awarded and recognized by the DLG - Federal Wine Awards.
