Ziereisen Lügle White Burgundy 2020

Baden, a region in southwestern Germany, is renowned for its picturesque vineyards. Gentle hills shape the landscape, bathed in sunshine. Limestone soils impart a distinctive minerality to the wines. Here, elegant and long-lived wines are created. “Weingut Ziereisen Lügle Weißer Burgunder 2020” – Ziereisen Winery’s Lügle Pinot Blanc 2020 – is an example of this quality. It combines tradition and innovation – a dry white wine that impresses with its fruitiness and spice. Production follows a clear philosophy, with work in the vineyard taking centre stage to create authentic and characterful wines.

Character and Enjoyment

This Pinot Blanc from Baden presents a radiant yellow colour. The nose unfolds with ripe pears and yellow apples. Subtle notes of butterscotch and citrus fruits complement the bouquet. Chalky and herbaceous nuances add complexity. On the palate, a pleasant creaminess is balanced by a fine acidity. Light tobacco and vanilla aromas are discernible, while a hint of honey sweetness plays in the background. The wine possesses power and tension.

A long, slightly saline finish rounds off the tasting experience. This white wine is fresh and savoury, not fat. It is a versatile companion to various dishes, pairing particularly well with baked poultry, such as chicken or turkey. It is also ideal with a creamy risotto or a classic Wiener Schnitzel. The optimal serving temperature is between 11 and 12 degrees Celsius.

Weingut Ziereisen – Ziereisen Winery

Hanspeter Ziereisen runs the winery with great passion. Work in the vineyard is his top priority. His conviction is “Great wine is made in the vineyard.” Time and patience are important factors. Ziereisen places value on organic cultivation. The vines grow on Jurassic limestone with a loess layer.

Wines are often declared as Landwein – country wine – which gives him the freedom to vinify individual wines. Away from strict quality requirements, this creates wines with strong character. Density, proximity to the stone and enormous ageing potential characterise these wines. Weingut Ziereisen is known for its commitment to quality. Careful selection of the grapes is a matter of course, and gentle processing in the cellar guarantees a wealth of aromas and elegance.

Baden – A Wine Region with Tradition

Baden is Germany’s third-largest wine-growing region. Approximately 15,727 hectares of vineyard area stretch across southern Baden-Württemberg. The microclimate is characterised by a sunny and warm climate. The Upper Rhine Graben favours the ripening of the grapes. Diverse soils, including loess and limestone, create different wine styles. Baden belongs to EU wine zone B, which stands for higher quality standards.

The 2020 vintage is considered a good, young vintage, promising considerable ageing potential. Wines from Baden are often fruity, mineral, and elegant, characterised by a distinct varietal character. The region offers ideal conditions for the cultivation of white wines.

Jurassic Limestone and Loess

The Jurassic limestone soil is crucial for the character of the Lügle. It imparts cool minerality and saline notes to the wine. The loess layer provides substance and power. This combination allows the vines to root deeply, delivering perfectly ripe harvesting material even in dry years like 2020. The soil stores heat and releases it slowly to the vines.

Rebsorte Weißburgunder – Pinot Blanc Variety

Pinot Blanc is an old grape variety, documented since the 14th century. In Germany, it is predominantly grown in Baden, Rheinhessen and the Palatinate. The wines are usually elegant and have a medium body. A fresh, refined acidity is typical. Aromas of green nuts, apples, and pears are common.

Strong soils are required for successful cultivation, especially limestone soils. Around 25 to 30-year-old vines grow here for the “Lügle”. Organic cultivation without certification is important to Ziereisen.

Production and Maturation

The production of the Lügle follows a traditional approach. A significant reduction in yield is the first step. Selective hand-harvesting in several passes guarantees quality. Maceration time and slow pressing take place in an old basket press. Spontaneous fermentation of the must in used wooden barrels is crucial.

Long ageing period of 18 to 22 months on the fine lees. Bottling without filtration and fining preserves the aromas. Low sulphurisation serves to stabilise the wine. This Pinot Blanc is a natural product, made with respect for nature.

Landwein – Quality with Freedom

This wine is declared as a Deutscher Landwein – German country wine. Landwein is above the simple “Deutscher Wein” in the German quality hierarchy. It comes from a defined country wine area. For wineries like Ziereisen, this designation is a stylistic device. Wines with long barrel ageing often do not fit into the framework of the official quality wine examination, but are of the highest quality.

Presentation

The 0.75-l wine bottle is in the classic Bordeaux format. Dark green glass protects the wine from light. The label is in a warm beige tone. A black and white photograph of a rural landscape conveys a rustic impression. “ZIEREISEN” is written in an elegant font underneath. A narrow strip shows “2020 Lügle”. A cream-coloured label is attached to the bottleneck. The handwritten lettering “Ziereisen” underlines the artisanal character.

Price and Recommendation

With a price of around €22, this wine is a worthwhile investment. It offers excellent value for money. Quality and character justify the price. This wine is something special and a pleasure for discerning wine lovers.

Conclusion

“Weingut Ziereisen Lügle Weißer Burgunder 2020” is an exceptional wine that combines fruitiness, minerality and spice. Elegant, powerful and creamy at the same time, its character is shaped by the terroir of Baden and the careful production. A Landwein that meets the highest standards and is an ideal companion to various dishes. Enjoy this wine as an expression of tradition and innovation – a wine that will be remembered for a long time.