Spätburgunder! Pinot Noir German Style! – Appetite for Wine

Why just call it Pinot Noir, when you can venture to Germany and declare Spätburgunder!?

That’s right, German Spätburgunder is the same grape most know as Pinot Noir. Such a versatile grape, presented in many different styles, from light and elegant, to big and bold.

Tonight, we opened the Weingut Steintal Buntsandstein Spätburgunder 2020. This is a spectacular wine, tasting great now and with the potential for a few more years of aging. Paired with Roast Chicken with Meyer Lemon and Smoked Paprika (recipe from discovercaliforniawines.com) with its smoked paprika seasoning, it was a match made in heaven.

Ruby color in the glass. Aromas lead with smoke and baking spice, with notes of cherry, raspberry, and mushroom. On the palate, delightful flavors of plum, red cherry, earthy notes, minerals, and tobacco smoke. Medium body, soft tannins, and perfectly balanced acidity. A spectacular Spätburgunder.

Have you had a German Spätburgunder? Let us know in the comments what you thought!

• By Kent Reynolds and Robyn Raphael-Reynolds