GERMANY Ziereisen Spatburgunder (Pinot Noirs)

Ziereisen's Baden vineyards are rooted in limestone and (at 270-550m) look down on Alsace, Jura and the Swiss regions around Basel. The philosphy is one of experimentation but also 'naturalness' and taking as much time as it needs in the vineyards.

A blind tasting of 400 German pinots organised by MW Tim Aitken was whittled down to a final twenty for an international tasting, with Ziereisen the only producer to have two wines in the lineup.

2013 Ziereisen Blauer Spatburgunder: Importer notes 'A blend of organically grown fruit from Malterdingen (70km north of the cellar) and limestone-rooted vines near the cellar and Swiss border.  The tannins are powdery and fine, and there is plenty of ripe fruit flavour without any oak showing.' James Halliday 93 points '...clear and fragrant, red berries to the fore...'
2014 Ziereisen 'Tschuppen' Spatburgunder: Importer notes 'treated very gently... rests for around 20 months in large, exclusively old oak barrels, preserving its fruit and vivacious acidity. Characterised by lively cherry aromas, red fruits, a stoney minerality and exotic spice.'