A.Christmann Spätburgunder Königsbacher Ölberg Erste Lage Bio 2018

A. Christmann Spätburgunder Königsbacher Ölberg Erste Lage Bio 2018 is a finely etched, terroir-driven Pinot Noir from one of the Pfalz’s most historic vineyards. Certified organic and crafted with a Burgundian sensibility, it combines German precision with real depth and elegance. Sourced from the renowned Ölberg site, already counted among the best vineyards of the Pfalz in the 1828 Royal Bavarian soil classification, this wine showcases the full potential of mature Spätburgunder vines in a cool, limestone-rich setting.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2018 Ölberg Spätburgunder shows a translucent, vibrant ruby-red hue with delicate garnet reflections at the rim, hinting at both finesse and concentration. The nose is refined and detailed, offering aromas of wild red berries, sour cherry and raspberry, layered with rose petals, crushed stones, subtle herbal notes and a touch of fine spice and cedar from carefully handled oak. On the palate, the wine is taut yet silky, with a precise, linear structure typical of limestone-driven Pinot. Juicy red cherry, cranberry and pomegranate are supported by a cool, stony backbone, while fine-grained tannins and a lively acidity give it tension and length. Hints of forest floor, dried herbs and a gentle smokiness emerge with air, adding complexity without heaviness. This 2018 has the balance to drink beautifully now after a short aeration, but it also has the structure and freshness to evolve gracefully for 8–12 years from vintage, gaining in tertiary nuances and textural polish.

Production
Königsbacher Ölberg is shaped by tertiary limestone marl (Kalkmergel) in the subsoil, interspersed in the topsoil with coloured sandstone scree from the nearby Haardt mountains. The vineyards sit relatively high along the edge of the Pfälzerwald, at the mouth of the Klausental, where early morning sun and afternoon shade from the Haardt create a beneficial swing between warm days and cool nights, slowing ripening and preserving aromatic detail. The Christmann family planted their Spätburgunder here in 1985, and these older vines naturally produce smaller, more concentrated berries. As a certified organic (and in practice very close to biodynamic) estate, Weingut A. Christmann relies on meticulous hand work in the vineyard, with selective hand harvesting at optimal physiological ripeness. In the cellar, the grapes are typically destemmed or only partly destemmed, fermented with native yeasts in traditional wooden vats or tanks, and gently pressed before aging in predominantly used Burgundy barrels (with a judicious touch of new oak) to retain purity, transparency and a clear expression of the Ölberg site.

Food & Serving
This nuanced Spätburgunder is a versatile partner at the table, particularly with dishes that respect its finesse. It pairs beautifully with roast poultry (especially duck or guinea fowl), veal, pork tenderloin, game birds, mushroom dishes, and earthy vegetarian cuisine such as roasted root vegetables, beetroot risotto or lentil ragout. It also works well with mildly seasoned charcuterie and semi-soft cheeses like Tomme, Reblochon-style cheeses or a gentle washed-rind cheese. Serve at 14–16 °C to highlight its aromatics and fine structure; if opened young, a short decant of 30–45 minutes in a medium-sized Burgundy glass helps the wine unfurl its floral and mineral complexity.

Producer
Weingut A. Christmann is one of the leading family estates in the Pfalz and a benchmark for terroir-driven, organically farmed wines in Germany. Based in Gimmeldingen, the Christmann family has been growing wine for several generations and has played a key role in elevating the reputation of the Mittelhaardt, particularly for dry Riesling and increasingly for Spätburgunder. The estate is a member of the VDP (Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter), and its holdings include some of the region’s finest classified sites such as Idig and Ölberg. Under the guidance of Steffen Christmann, who has also served as president of the VDP, the winery has moved consistently towards organic and biodynamic principles, low-intervention cellar work and a clear focus on expressing site character. Their Spätburgunder bottlings, especially from Erste Lage and Grosses Gewächs vineyards, are now widely regarded as among the most refined and Burgundy-like Pinots in Germany.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.