2007 Prinz Spätburgunder Trocken

Specs:

2007 Prinz Spätburgunder Trocken

Rheingau

Germany

13.5% Alcohol

100% Pinot Noir

$29.00

Notes:

In continuation of my world wide quest for Pinot Noir I came across this German producer while dining at Terzo Restaurant in San Francisco. When I think Germany and the Rheingau my first thought is Riesling...it definitely isn't Pinot Noir; however I was proven quite wrong with this developed food friendly wine. The Prinz Spätburgunder (German for Pinot Noir) pronounced SHPAYT-bur-GUHN-der had similar characteristics of the grape variety, however there were some interesting qualities that stood out from others I have tasted.

When first poured, the wine was pale and lacking the color I was expecting, yet with time the wine opened up and regained its garnet color I am accustomed to.The aromas are light in intensity with pronounced earthy scents and slight hints of fruit. On the nose are scents of mushroom, herbs, and forest floor with tart strawberry and red cherry . The taste on the palate mimics the nose however the fruit becomes more apparent on the tongue. Within 20 minutes of opening the bottle the flavors and complexity of this wine really began to show and the acidic qualities began to really mellow out. With this came a more round and silky mouthfeel with rich flavors of red fruit and earth.

The Prinz Spätburgunder paired really amazingly with food due to its light flavors and intensity. I would suggest matching this wine with dishes containing fresh mushrooms and tomato as well as pastas or salads with truffle oil and Parmesan. This may be a little hard to find in your local wine shop however it is available locally at Terzo Restaurant as well as Dee VineWines in San Francisco.