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 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 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.
Two more comments on Gutedel. There is a rare red Gutedel grape, which produces a rose-colored wine. Crossing Gutedel with Silvaner produces a Nobling. The wine from this recent varietal results in a slightly heftier white wine than either Gutedel or (most) Rieslings.
What I Tasted
2018 Grauburgunder, Kabinett, Trocken, Weingut Heinemann (Scherzingen): A dry white wine with medium gold color, with a red apple, pear, floral and vanilla nose, and pear and floral flavors; medium acidity, well-balanced with a smooth finish
2017 Weiss Burgunder, Kabinett Praedikatswein, Trocken, Pffaffenweiler Weinhaus: A dry white wine with medium gold color; a delicious rose, vanilla and mineral nose; with smale flavors, medium acidity, with a tangy, green apple finish.
2015 Pinot Noir Rose, (Spaetburgunder Weissherbst), Qualitaetswein, Bezirkskellerei Markgraeflerland (Ehrenkirchen): A dry rose with light salmon color, cherry nose, and cherry and sweet raspberry flavors, very mildly tannic.
2014 Gutedel, Norsinger Batzenberg, Qualitaetswein, Trocken, Winzerverein Muenzingen: A dry white white wine with light gold color; nose slightly nutty, flavors of white fruits, mildly acidic.