Steintal Spätburgunder Schlossberg Großes Gewächs 2017

Steintal Spätburgunder Schlossberg Großes Gewächs 2017 is a finely etched German Pinot Noir from the steep slopes of Franken’s famed Schlossberg vineyard. Crafted as a “Großes Gewächs” – the German equivalent of a grand cru – it showcases both power and precision, with a style that is closer to top Burgundy than to many traditional German reds. This wine reflects a new, quality‑driven era in Franken, where Spätburgunder from top sites is now counted among Germany’s most exciting cool‑climate reds.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2017 Schlossberg GG presents a luminous, transparent ruby with garnet reflections at the rim, hinting at both concentration and finesse. The nose is compact yet complex: dark and red berries (black cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry) mingle with smoky and subtly meaty tones, dried herbs, cracked pepper, dried mushrooms and a touch of sweet paprika. Underneath lies a faint spicy-green nuance reminiscent of cannabis and sage, giving the wine an intriguing, savoury edge. On the palate, the wine is taut, linear and refreshingly cool in expression, with a clear, finely chiselled red and black berry fruit framed by herbaceous and savoury spice notes. The tannins are fine-grained, almost powdery, giving structure without aggression, while a vibrant, salty-mineral acidity drives the wine across the palate. Subtle roasted and nutty nuances, along with hints of dried flowers, sage and liquorice, add depth and length. Still youthful and somewhat restrained, this 2017 has the backbone and concentration to evolve beautifully over the next 8–12 years, gaining in aromatic complexity and textural harmony with time in bottle.

Production
The Schlossberg vineyard in Franken is a classic steep slope of weathered stone, where poor, mineral-rich soils and a cool continental climate encourage low yields and slow, even ripening of Spätburgunder. At Weingut Steintal, the fruit for this Großes Gewächs is typically harvested by hand in small crates to ensure only perfectly healthy, optimally ripe bunches reach the cellar. Vinification is focused on transparency and finesse rather than power: a careful, often partially whole-berry fermentation with native yeasts, gentle extraction and extended maceration, followed by élevage in high-quality, predominantly used French oak barrels. The result is a wine that expresses its stony terroir with precision and nuance, rather than being marked by oak.

Food & Serving
This refined Spätburgunder is a natural partner for elegant, savoury dishes: think roast duck or guinea fowl, venison loin, lamb racks with herb crust, or veal with wild mushrooms. It also performs beautifully alongside truffled poultry, charcuterie, and semi-hard cheeses such as Comté or aged Alpine styles. Serve at 14–16°C to highlight its aromatic detail and freshness. Decanting for 45–60 minutes in its youth helps the wine unfurl its layered nose and soften the structure; older bottles (8+ years) can be served directly from the bottle, with a gentle, brief splash if needed.

Producer
Weingut Steintal, located in Franken, is part of the new generation of German estates redefining what Spätburgunder can be in this historic white-wine region. Once better known for Silvaner and other whites, Franken is now producing some of Germany’s most characterful Pinots from steep, rocky sites like Schlossberg, and Steintal is at the forefront of this movement. With a strong focus on meticulous vineyard work, low yields and sensitive cellar practices, the estate has earned growing critical acclaim for its precise, terroir-driven reds. Wines such as the Schlossberg Großes Gewächs underline Steintal’s reputation as one of the key addresses for serious Spätburgunder in Franken.

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