Bertram-Baltes Dernauer Pinot Noir 2021

Bertram-Baltes Dernauer Spätburgunder 2021 is a true masterpiece from the Ahr region in Germany. This red wine is made from the Spätburgunder grape variety, also known as Pinot Noir or Pinot Nero. The Ahr is renowned for its excellent red wines and offers ideal conditions for cultivating this demanding grape variety. The soils in the Burggarten, Hardtberg, and Pfarrwingert vineyards consist of blue slate and greywacke, imparting a special minerality to the wine. After selective hand harvesting, the grapes were 70% destemmed and then spontaneously fermented. The wine was aged in used barrels made of Spessart oak, adding extra complexity and elegance. Priced at around €29, this quality wine offers excellent value for money.

Origin and Characteristics

The Ahr region is one of the smallest, yet most prestigious wine regions in Germany. Its landscape is characterized by steep vineyards and picturesque river valleys. The soils mainly consist of shale and greywacke, giving the wines a distinctive mineral note. The Bertram-Baltes Dernauer Spätburgunder 2021 benefits from these ideal conditions. The vines grow in the Burggarten, Hardtberg, and Pfarrwingert vineyards, known for their sparse soils and the resulting structure of the wines.

Taste and Aromas

This Spätburgunder from the 2021 vintage appears in a medium-dense ruby red with transparent edges in the glass. The nose reveals smoky aromas, complemented by notes of raspberry, sour cherry, and hazelnut cream. On the palate, the wine presents a juicy acidity that makes the mouth water, along with a polished, fine tannin. The juicy red fruit is accompanied by light smoky nuances and herbs, giving the wine a complex and multi-layered bouquet. A cool eucalyptus note completes the flavor profile.

Occasions and Food Pairings

Bertram-Baltes Dernauer Spätburgunder 2021 is perfect for festive occasions and elegant dinner evenings. Its complex aromas and juicy acidity harmonize wonderfully with a variety of dishes. It pairs particularly well with oven-roasted lamb leg, braised garlic, and wheat bread. It's also an excellent choice for game dishes and mushroom risotto. Due to its structure and depth, this red wine also offers an impressive tasting experience when enjoyed solo.

Vintage 2021 and Aging

The 2021 vintage in the Ahr region was marked by special climatic conditions. A cool spring and a warm summer led to optimal ripening conditions for the Spätburgunder grapes. After the harvest, the grapes were 70% destemmed and spontaneously fermented. The wine was aged in used Spessart oak barrels, which added extra complexity and elegance. It was then bottled unfiltered and unfined to preserve its purity and authenticity.

Quality and Value for Money

The Bertram-Baltes Dernauer Spätburgunder 2021 is a quality wine that meets the highest standards. Priced at around €29, this red wine offers excellent value for money. The combination of careful craftsmanship, optimal climatic conditions, and the specific soil composition of the Ahr region makes this wine a true highlight for wine connoisseurs and enthusiasts.

Producer Bertram-Baltes

The Bertram-Baltes winery is known for its high-quality wines and meticulous work in the vineyard and cellar. Julia Bertram and Benedikt Baltes are dedicated to producing wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the Ahr region and its soils. Through traditional methods and avoiding unnecessary treatments, they preserve the authenticity of their wines. The Bertram-Baltes Dernauer Spätburgunder 2021 is an excellent example of this philosophy.

Conclusion

The Bertram-Baltes Dernauer Spätburgunder 2021 is an impressive red wine from the Ahr region in Germany. With its complex aromas of smoky notes, raspberry, sour cherry, and hazelnut cream, it offers a multi-layered tasting experience. The juicy acidity and fine tannin make it a fantastic companion for festive occasions and elegant dinner evenings. It pairs particularly well with oven-roasted lamb leg, braised garlic, and wheat bread. The aging in used Spessart oak barrels adds extra complexity and elegance. Priced at around €29, this quality wine offers excellent value for money. The Bertram-Baltes winery has perfectly captured the unique characteristics of the Ahr region and its soils in this wine. A must for every wine connoisseur and enthusiast.

More info and to the store