Weingut Jürgen von der Mark Baden Merdinger Spätburgunder 2023

Light, garnet-red color. Seductive, open aromas of ripe cherry, raspberry, and caramel. Smooth and soft on the attack. Well-structured with mild tannins and a lovely freshness. Elegant style with a lingering, slightly spicy finish.

While Germany may be primarily known for its white wines, the southern German region of Baden has a reputation for exquisite red wines made from Pinot Noir, also known as Spätburgunder. Jürgen Von der Mark is a true specialist in this grape variety.

What's special about Jürgen is that he's not only an oenologist but also a Master of Wine. This winemaker possesses excellent knowledge and experience. At his estate south of Freiburg, near the French and Swiss borders, he produces wines from Burgundy grapes. He categorizes these wines into three quality levels: village wines, terroir wines, and the so-called "liedwijnen" (song wines), named after a song he considers the very best wines of the respective vintage.

This Spätburgunder is a village wine and is made in a juicy, fruity style. The Pinot grapes come from younger vines grown in various vineyards in Merdingen. After fermentation, the wine is aged for twelve months in used Burgundian barriques. The wine is bottled unfiltered and unfined.

The result is an uncomplicated, light-bodied, and slightly spicy Pinot that you'll want to keep drinking. It's best enjoyed lightly chilled, just like it is, with a charcuterie board, but also at the table. And the price? A Burgundy of this caliber can't compete!