Bertram - Baltes Spätburgunder Marienthaler Trotzenberg 2019

Bertram-Baltes Spätburgunder Marienthaler Trotzenberg 2019 is a wine that captures the coolness and depth of the Ahr region in every sip. Steep slopes and lean soils shape a character that manifests as dark berries, elderflower, and damp forest floor. The ripeness of the grapes and the wine’s fine structure speak of a balance between finesse and power. It is dry, but not austere – a reflection of the landscape it hails from. It pairs beautifully with meat dishes, game, and intense cheeses, elevating the flavour profile to a new level.

Ahr – Pinot Noir Paradise

The Ahr is one of Germany’s most renowned wine regions, known for its steep slopes and mineral-rich soils. Sites like Marienthaler Trotzenberg are characterised by greywacke and slate, imparting a subtle spiciness to the wine. The coolness of the high-altitude slopes and sunlight from a south-facing aspect contribute to a ripeness that combines fruit and structure. Ahr wines are often precise, elegant, and long-lived – a testament to the natural conditions and the ability of the winemakers to express terroir qualities.

Vintage 2019 – A Rarity

2019 was a year of balance and harmony. Grapes ripened slowly. The cool air of the high-altitude slopes and the mineral structure of the soil helped prevent the wine from becoming too rich or too dry. The tannins are finely resolved but still present, making it a choice for collectors and connoisseurs. Tasting results confirm the quality: 96 points from Ulrich Sautter and a position among the TOP 5 German Spätburgunders.

Patience and Pleasure

Bertram-Baltes Spätburgunder Marienthaler Trotzenberg 2019 is a wine that will truly come into its own in a few years. The tannins and complex aromas need time to develop, which makes it ideal for cellaring. It pairs beautifully with meat dishes, game, and intense cheeses, elevating the flavour profile to a new level. The combination of darkness, freshness, and mineral finish makes it a perfect companion for special occasions.

The Bottle – Tradition

The bottle of Bertram-Baltes Spätburgunder Marienthaler Trotzenberg 2019 is a classic example of German winemaking. The label is white, with a clear colour contrast and black, sans-serif font that emphasises the site. The producer designation “BERTRAM-BALTES” is underlined in red, highlighting the traditional character. The red seal in the lower right corner of the label symbolises quality certification. The dark brown glass bottle protects the wine from light and conveys a sense of elegance.

Quality that Shines Through

Bertram-Baltes Spätburgunder Marienthaler Trotzenberg 2019 is a quality wine that meets the strict criteria of German wine origin. Biodynamic viticulture and attention to terroir conditions contribute to the wine being both precise and long-lived. The 12% alcohol content and fine structure of the wine create a balanced flavour that is noticeable in every sip. The sweetness is minimal, defining it as a dry red wine that doesn’t feel austere.

Spätburgunder – A Grape with Character

The Spätburgunder grape, also known as Pinot Noir, is renowned for its finesse and expressiveness. In the Ahr region, it develops into a wine that is both mineral and profound. Steep slopes and lean soils promote ripeness, bringing the grapes into a balance of darkness, freshness, and complexity. Spätburgunder is a grape that thrives particularly well in the Ahr region, making Bertram-Baltes Spätburgunder Marienthaler Trotzenberg 2019 a highlight.

Value and Price

Bertram-Baltes Spätburgunder Marienthaler Trotzenberg 2019 costs approximately €59, which represents a fair price range for a quality wine from the Ahr region. The combination of site, ripeness, and finesse makes it a worthwhile investment. The 96 points from Ulrich Sautter and its position among the TOP 5 German Spätburgunders underscore its value. For connoisseurs and collectors, it is an investment that will be rewarded by the wine’s maturation over the years.

Bertram-Baltes – A Winery with Vision

Julia Bertram and Benedikt Baltes have been a dream team for years, combining tradition with innovation. Returning to their native Ahr and focusing on the family winery allows them to realise their vision of biodynamic viticulture. Their goal is biodynamic certification and even permaculture with sheep in the vineyard. The Marienthaler Trotzenberg site is a special gem for Bertram-Baltes, which they cultivate with passion and precision.

Particularities of the Marienthaler Trotzenberg

The Marienthaler Trotzenberg site is extremely steep and characterised by lean greywacke soil. A southern aspect gives the wine power and depth, while the forest above brings cool air and, therefore, finesse and freshness. For Julia Bertram, it is certainly one of the best sites in the region. The Spätburgunder Trotzenberg is demanding and powerful from the outset. Ripe fruit blends with cool aromas, dark, smoky notes, and almost bacon-like nuances. Reduction intensifies the austerity and intensity. With aeration, it becomes finer and more balanced, lingering on the palate with a full body.

Conclusion

Bertram-Baltes Spätburgunder Marienthaler Trotzenberg 2019 is a wine that embodies the Ahr region and captures the coolness of the high-altitude slopes and the mineral structure of the soil. Its finesse and balance make it a companion for special occasions and a choice for connoisseurs. The combination of darkness, freshness, and complexity, along with the quality certification, underscore the wine’s value. The bottle and label are a sign of tradition, while the price and ratings confirm its worth. A wine that slowly unfolds and shows its full strength over the years.