A.Christmann Spätburgunder AUS DEN LAGEN Bio 2023

A. Christmann Spätburgunder AUS DEN LAGEN Bio 2022 is a refined, organically crafted Pinot Noir from one of the Pfalz region’s most respected estates. Conceived as a “second wine” in the Bordeaux sense, it offers serious pedigree and terroir character at a remarkably accessible level. This cuvée brings together some of the estate’s top sites to give a vivid, authentic snapshot of Mittelhaardt Spätburgunder in a ripe, finely etched vintage.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this Spätburgunder shows a bright, translucent ruby-red hue, hinting at both freshness and finesse. The nose is immediately inviting and red-fruited, with pure notes of raspberry and sweet cherry, supported by hints of redcurrant, a touch of wild strawberry, and a delicate floral lift. Subtle spice and a whisper of fine French oak add complexity without ever dominating the fruit. On the palate, the wine is juicy yet precise, with a silky texture and finely chiseled tannins. The red-berry profile continues—raspberry, cherry, and a hint of pomegranate—framed by lively acidity that keeps everything vibrant and mouthwatering. The modest use of new barrique (around 15%) brings gentle notes of vanilla pod, cocoa dust, and toasted spice, adding depth while preserving the wine’s elegant, playful character. Enjoyable now for its youthful charm and energy, it has the structure to evolve gracefully over the next 5–7 years, gaining complexity and a more savory, Burgundian nuance with time in bottle.

Production
“Aus den Lagen” is a site-blend drawn from Christmann’s high-quality vineyards across the Mittelhaardt in Pfalz, an area characterized by a mix of sandstone, limestone, and loess soils that lend both freshness and subtle minerality to Spätburgunder. The fruit is organically grown and selectively harvested, with only fully ripe, perfectly healthy grapes making it into the final cuvée. In the cellar, the must is handled gently to preserve fragrance and finesse, with careful extraction to avoid harsh tannins. The wine is then matured predominantly in used French barriques, with only about 15% new oak, allowing the red-berry fruit and terroir character to shine while gaining polish and texture from the barrel aging.

Food & Serving
This elegant Pfalz Spätburgunder is a versatile partner at the table, pairing beautifully with roasted poultry (duck breast, guinea fowl, or herb-roasted chicken), pork tenderloin, veal, and lighter game dishes such as rabbit or venison carpaccio. It also works wonderfully with earthy mushroom dishes, truffle risotto, grilled salmon or tuna, and semi-soft cheeses like Munster, Taleggio, or mild washed-rind styles. Serve at 14–16 °C to highlight its aromatic lift and freshness. A short decant of 30–45 minutes can help the wine open up its red-fruited charm and subtle spice, especially in its youth.

Producer
Weingut A. Christmann is one of Germany’s benchmark estates, family-run for generations and firmly rooted in the Mittelhaardt section of Pfalz. The winery is renowned for its commitment to organic and biodynamic viticulture, precise terroir expression, and a focus on both Riesling and Spätburgunder from top-class Erste and Grosse Lage vineyards. Over the years, Christmann has earned a reputation as a leader of the Pfalz’s quality renaissance, with numerous accolades from German and international critics alike. The “Aus den Lagen” line reflects the estate’s modern philosophy: concentrating their range on top sites while offering a single, carefully assembled cuvée per variety that captures the essence of their exceptional vineyards in a more approachable style.