Carsten Saalwächter Spätburgunder -R- 2022

Carsten Saalwächter Spätburgunder -R- 2022 represents the pinnacle of his Pinot Noir work on the Rheinhessen side of the Rhine around Ingelheim. Sourced from the oldest Spätburgunder vines and composed from the finest barrels of the vintage, this is a finely etched, truly artisan expression of German Pinot. It combines delicacy and depth in a style that feels Burgundian in finesse, yet rooted firmly in its Rheinhessen origins.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2022 Spätburgunder -R- shows a translucent, shimmering ruby with a light, almost weightless color intensity that signals its elegance from the outset. The nose is initially a touch restrained and benefits from air, gradually opening to pure, fine red berry aromas—think wild raspberry, redcurrant and a hint of sour cherry—layered with earthy and savory nuances reminiscent of forest floor, rosemary, bark and roasted chestnut. A subtle smokiness and a delicate, stony tone underline the wine’s precision. On the palate, the wine is featherlight yet tightly woven, gliding across the tongue with a graceful, almost dancing texture. The red fruit is vivid but never sweet, carried by a filigreed structure, finely grained tannins and a perfectly integrated, bright acidity. Mineral drive gives the mid-palate a firm backbone and keeps the long, linear finish focused and fresh. While already seductive in its youth after sufficient aeration, the 2022 -R- has the balance and structure to evolve beautifully over 8–12 years, gaining complexity and further harmony with cellaring.

Production
The Spätburgunder -R- 2022 is sourced from old-vine Pinot Noir parcels on the Rheinhessen side near Ingelheim, where calcareous soils with loam and sandstone elements contribute both lift and structure to the wine. The vineyards are carefully farmed with a strong emphasis on healthy soils and low yields, and harvesting is carried out by hand to allow a strict selection of only perfectly ripe, intact bunches. In the cellar, whole berries and/or a proportion of whole clusters are gently fermented with indigenous yeasts, favoring a slow, cool extraction to preserve finesse rather than power. The best lots are then aged in small oak barrels—largely used, with a sensitive touch of new wood—allowing the wine to develop texture and complexity without overpowering its delicate aromatics, before being bottled with minimal intervention to retain its purity of fruit and terroir expression.

Food & Serving
This is a highly versatile fine Pinot that shines with refined dishes rather than heavy cuisine. Try it with roast duck breast, quail, or guinea fowl, veal with morel sauce, or elegant pork dishes such as slow-roasted pork loin with herbs. It also pairs beautifully with mushroom-based plates, truffle pasta, or soft to semi-hard cheeses like Tomme, Reblochon, or a mild Comté. Serve at 14–16 °C, slightly cooler than room temperature, to highlight its aromatic precision and freshness. Decanting for 45–60 minutes in its youth is recommended to let the initial reduction blow off and allow the wine’s fine red fruit and savory complexity to unfold fully.

Producer
Carsten Saalwächter is one of the most exciting new names in German wine, based in Rheinhessen with a special focus on Pinot Noir and other Burgundian varieties. Working from vineyards around Ingelheim—an area long known for its red wines—he has quickly earned a reputation for precise, terroir-driven, and remarkably elegant Spätburgunder that rivals far more established regions. Through meticulous vineyard work, low-intervention cellar practices and an unwavering pursuit of finesse over sheer power, Saalwächter has positioned his top cuvée, the Spätburgunder -R-, as a benchmark for contemporary German Pinot Noir and a reference point for collectors seeking the new wave of cool-climate, limestone-driven reds.

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