2022 Franz Keller Spätburgunder Schlossberg Grosses Gewächs

The 2022 Franz Keller Spätburgunder Schlossberg Grosses Gewächs is a benchmark German Pinot Noir from one of Kaiserstuhl’s most prized single vineyards. Sourced from old vines on steep, walled terraces of dark volcanic soil, this GG (Grosses Gewächs) marries Burgundian finesse with the warmth and minerality of Baden’s sun-drenched hills. Aged 18 months in barrique (35% new oak), it is a serious, collectible Pinot built for both current pleasure and long-term cellaring.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this Spätburgunder shows a luminous, medium ruby hue with youthful, violet reflections. The nose is finely etched and expressive, opening with pure red cherry and wild raspberry, followed by notes of roasted hazelnut, clove, white pepper and a gentle hint of smoke and crushed stone. On the palate, the wine is silk-textured yet tightly structured, with a beautiful interplay of elegance and power. Juicy cherry and redcurrant fruit are wrapped in savoury nuances of spice, nutty oak and a subtle, smoky minerality. The acidity is fresh and precise, supporting fine-grained tannins that frame the wine without ever feeling harsh. The finish is long, persistent and spicy, with a rising sense of mineral tension that invites another sip. While already impressive, this 2022 Grosses Gewächs will reward patience: it is best enjoyed from a few years after release and has the potential to evolve gracefully over 10–15 years, gaining complexity, silkier tannins and more tertiary nuances.

Production
The Schlossberg vineyard is one of Franz Keller’s crown jewels, a historically important, walled site of steep, south-facing slopes in the warm Kaiserstuhl region of Baden. Protected from the wind, it accumulates heat and benefits from a unique microclimate, while its black volcanic soils, covered in fertile loess, impart a marked mineral profile and intensity to the Pinot Noir. The vineyard is manually cultivated, reflecting the difficulty of working its dramatic terraces and the estate’s commitment to preserving old vine genetics. Harvest is done entirely by hand, with rigorous selection of only the best, perfectly ripe bunches. In the cellar, the grapes are gently vinified with great attention to preserving fruit purity and site expression, then matured for 18 months in barrique, of which around 35% is new oak, adding subtle spice and structure without overshadowing the terroir.

Food & Serving
This is a refined yet substantial Pinot Noir that shines at the table. It pairs beautifully with filet mignon, roast or pan-seared venison and other game dishes, roasted poultry with herbs, or luxurious mushroom-driven plates such as truffle or porcini risotto. A selection of semi-hard and soft, creamy cheeses also makes an excellent match. Serve at 14–16°C (57–61°F) to highlight its aromatic detail and freshness. Young bottles will benefit from 1–2 hours in a decanter to allow the wine to open and integrate; more mature bottles can be gently double-decanted shortly before serving.

Producer
Weingut Franz Keller is one of the leading estates of the Kaiserstuhl in Baden, widely recognized as a specialist in Burgunder varieties—Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder), Pinot Gris (Grauburgunder), Pinot Blanc (Weissburgunder) and Chardonnay. All of the estate’s vineyards are located in the warm, sun-soaked hills of the Kaiserstuhl, Germany’s warmest and most sun-blessed wine region, where volcanic subsoils and thick loess deposits create ideal conditions for premium viticulture. Under the guidance of the Keller family, the winery has become a reference for top German Pinot Noir, working with fine Burgundian clones and a meticulous, terroir-driven approach. Their Grosses Gewächs wines from sites like Schlossberg, Kirchberg, Eichberg, “Im Leh” and “Kähner” are considered true grand crus of Baden, frequently singled out by critics and international wine writers for their precision, elegance and aging potential.

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