What I Learned
The Markgraeflerland district is along the southern-most section of the Rhine as it borders France, in the region of Baden, in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany. It is the southern-most wine producing district in Germany. It begins in Weil am Rhein, just outside the Swiss city of Basel, and continues almost to Freiburg. The vineyards lie on the foothills between the river valley floor, and the Black Forest mountains to the east. About 3000 hectares, and 90 cooperatives, cellars and wine estates are dedicated to the production of this region’s wine, carried out the in the villages and small towns that dot this area.
About 30% of the production is dedicated to red varietals such as Spaetburgunder (Pinot Noir), Merlot and Regent. The mild climate ensures great quality for red wine production. In general, I find the red wines of this area richer in color, flavor and mouthfeel than most of the red wines of other German areas. They can be quite good indeed.
The remaining 70% of the production is dedicated to white varietals, such as Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc. But take special notice of another white grape variety pretty much unique in Germany to this area, the Gutedel. Known also as Chasselas in France, and Fendant in French-speaking Switzerland, the origins of this grape still are not clear, although some experts maintain it was cultivated in Egypt over 3000 years ago. The Gutedel grape can result in a delightfully crisp (but only mildly acidic), and a uniquely-flavored white wine, like the 2012 Chasselas from the Ebringen Schlossgut winery. It is a refreshing alternative to Riesling, and perfectly chilled on a warm day, it hits the spot.
What I Tasted
2014 Weisser Gutedel, Qualtitaetswein, Trocken, Heitersheimer Maltesergarten, Weingut Josef Walz (Heitersheim): A dry white wine with light gold color; citrus nose, with floral and nutty notes, mild acidity, but medium body.
2014 Spaetburgunder Rose, Kabinett, Trocken, Weingut H. Schlumberger, (Laufen): A dry red wine with light red color; a spicy nose, and notes of red berries, wood and smoke. Very mild tannins
2013 Gutedel, Qualitaetswein, Trocken, Brizingen Winzergenosenschaft (Brizingen ): A dry white wine with light gold color; a slightly floral citrus and nutty nose, with a ripe, red berry finish; mild acidity but well balanced overall
2011 Spaetburgunder, Auslese, Trocken, Weingut Josef Walz, (Heitersheim): A dry red wine with medium red color; nose of red berries, notes of vanilla, honey dried cherries and wood. Medium tannins.
2012 Pinot Blanc, Laufener Winzersekt “Pinot Brut”, Winzerkeller Auggener Schaef (Auggen): A dry white sparkling wine with a dark, light gold color and fine, lively bubbles; neutral nose, with yeast and floral flavors; creamy mouthfeel with mild acidity.
Brut, Winzersekt Edelgraefler, Weingut Zaehringer (Heitersheim): A dry white sparkling wine with light gold color and fine bubbles; yeasty nose, and slight flavor of citrus; tart, somewhat acidic, but creamy mouthfeel.