Bischöfliche Weingüter Trier Kanzemer Altenberg „Im Wolfsberg"

• Falstaff 92 Punkte
• Lagen-Cup 93 Punkte

Growth: Saar ACCORDING TO ROMANA ECHTENSPERGER MASTER OF WINE: This Spätburgunder pours into the glass with a medium-bodied ruby red. The bouquet is subtle and characterized by fresh fruit, ethereal-floral notes, and the first hints of maturity. After swirling, aromas of raspberries, wild strawberries, rhubarb, rosehips, as well as wild roses, violets, moss, forest floor, and a fresh, peppery slate spice emerge. The palate begins with a silky delicacy. The wine thrives on its balance between ripeness, acidity, and the right degree of extraction. The latter provides a moderate yet well-structured level of tannins. This, along with the aging in relatively new Fuder barrels, leaves enough space for the finely chiseled fruit and salty minerality to unfold. It is an elegant and long-lasting Spätburgunder that does not need heaviness to possess great structure. VINEYARD SITE: The nature of the Kanzemer Altenberg is absolutely unique. The steep slope, which simply resembles a wall with its moderately to medium-weathered Devonian slate, lies opposite the town of Kanzem on the right bank of the Saar, facing south-southeast. The monumental hillside is optimally protected from cool northern winds due to its southern exposure. Its proximity to the Saar prevents temperatures from becoming too high or too low. The steep slope favors light exposure and makes the mountain an optimal heat reservoir. GROSSES GEWÄCHS „Im Wolfsberg": The Kanzemer Altenberg is impressive even from a distance, as the long vine rows extend up the slope of up to 85% incline as if drawn with a ruler. Red is trumps: The sun-exposed steep slope is made for the cultivation of the finest Spätburgunder, and vines of this variety were planted here quite some time ago. Our parcel "Im Wolfsberg" with only about 4,000 m² is located in the uppermost section of the Altenberg at the extreme northeastern tip towards Wiltinger Kupp. The soil there is very lean, but the Spätburgunder vines cope well with this dry location. The forest, which begins directly behind the vineyard and covers the entire top of the mountain, brings some cooling. The soil is well-drained, weathered, and made of reddish-gray slate; an ideal storage for warming sunbeams and therefore optimal for the ripening of the grapes for our Pinot Noir. VINIFICATION: 21 days of mash fermentation, followed by 24 months of maturation in Mosel Fuder oak barrels. Gentle bottling. SERVING TEMPERATURE: well chilled at 16-18°C