A Pinot Blanc that partly matures in wooden barrels ? You don't find that every day. An unusual approach, which is noticeable through its delicate roasted aroma: Because storage in barrique barrels not only ensures that the wine has a longer shelf life, but also that it has a stronger taste . Together with the premium wine Chardonnay, the Pinot Blanc is the only white wine on our estate that matures in barrique barrels. In a direct comparison, the Pinot Blanc is the leaner, lighter in taste. However, both are award-winning and both are characterized by low acidity. So if you don't want to go without a cool glass of white wine despite heartburn, you should stick to our two barrique varieties! More background information on the two barrique types can be found here.

A good winemaker must be willing to experiment, because small changes can have major consequences for the taste. We, the “Junior Counts” Peter and Jürgen , therefore regularly let ourselves be inspired by our worldwide travels. One day we found out that the tradition of storing wine in barrique barrels is not widespread in Germany and especially for white wine, while it is common practice in the USA and Australia. That made us ponder ... and then we acted: For months we tinkered and tried things out in our Palatinate cellars. Today we are proud to offer two premium white wines that are unique in their kind in Germany: Our Chardonnay and our Pinot Blanc are available as a balanced cuvée, half of which was stored in a barrique barrel, while the other half matured in stainless steel . Both varieties received the golden DLG prize for this, and we are a little proud of that. But what is even more important: our customers love these two barrique wines so much that they are our bestsellers today.

What wine experts say:

"Tender yellow-green; in the bouquet the exciting combination of coffee, mocha and dark chocolate with hints of apple, peach and a hint of pear; in the taste a balanced enamel and an elegant acid structure complete the multi-faceted play of aromas; pleasantly long finish." DLG Federal Wine Awards, Frankfurt am Main, 10/2021 (This rating relates to the 2020 vintage).

"Bright straw yellow; the nose presents intense fruit of banana, mango, pear and elderflower surrounded by nuances of caramel and roasted almonds; on the palate there is a fine aromatic aroma and a delicate vanilla note, complemented by the mild acid structure with a subtle sweetness ; Charming, creamy aftertaste." DLG Federal Wine Awards , Frankfurt am Main, 08/2019 (This rating refers to the 2018 vintage).

"Smells distinctively of fresh pear, butter and green hazelnuts. Round, woody notes noticeable in the mouth and powerful abundance of fruit with well-integrated, energizing acidity. Great with smoked fish, green beans, poultry..." Dr. Rolf Klein, experienced wine author and former editor-in-chief of the magazine " Weinwelt ".

Distinguished vintages:

2021

(AP No.: 5073053 1722)

- 5.0 / 5.0 - Gold Extra with the highest number of points and awarded by the DLG - Federal Wine Awards.

2020

(AP No.: 5073053 1521)

- Best collection "aged in (barrique) barrels" *

- Gold Extra awarded with the highest number of points and awarded by the DLG - Federal Wine Awards.

*By the way: A total of five (!) dry wines that have matured in wooden barrels were awarded in this collection: 2020 Pinot Blanc , 2020 Chardonnay , 2019 Pinot Noir , 2019 Merlot , 2018 Saint Laurent .

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