Bertram-Baltes 2021 Ahr Spatburgunder Handwerk

The Ahr is truly unique as one of the only regions in the world where one can find pinot noir grown on steep slate soils. As a matter of fact, mostly pinot noir is grown there even though it is farther north of the Mosel. Bertram-Baltes is run by Julia, whose great grandfather started the estate in 1910. She converted to organic practices and implemented natural fermentation focusing on the best sites with the oldest vines. A typical traditional Ahr Pinot with an elegant nose of ripe red raspberries, intertwined with dusty earth, wet rocks and herbaceous notes of juniper and laurel. The palate is smooth and velvety with a long finish of fine savouriness, minerality and bright acidity from the cool 2021 vintage, clocking in at a surprisingly light 10.5% abv! Aged in old oak barrels of various sizes, it's just begging for some duck breast with cherries; effortlessly elegant! GH