Weingut Wittmann Chardonnay Steingrube Erste Lage Bio 2023 white

Weingut Wittmann Chardonnay Steingrube Erste Lage Bio 2022 is the exciting debut vintage of a single-vineyard Chardonnay from one of Germany’s most acclaimed estates. Sourced from a high-calcareous site in Rheinhessen and certified organic, it marries Burgundian finesse with Wittmann’s hallmark clarity and precision. Classified as an Erste Lage (premier cru), this Chardonnay showcases how serious and terroir-driven German Chardonnay can be.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the Steingrube Chardonnay 2022 appears bright straw to pale gold, with a subtle, youthful sheen that hints at its freshness and energy. The nose is refined and layered: ripe citrus and yellow apple are joined by white peach, lemon zest and a touch of pear, underpinned by notes of chalk, toasted hazelnut, fine brioche and a delicate smokiness from its time in barrique. On the palate, the wine is elegant yet precise, with a linear, mineral backbone and a lively, well-integrated acidity that carries the flavours long across the tongue. The texture is silky and finely structured, showing nuances of stone fruit, citrus oil, a hint of almond cream and subtle vanilla, supported by a salty, limestone-driven finish. Still youthful, it will reward cellaring over the next 5–8 years, gaining even more complexity, breadth and harmony as the oak further integrates and the mineral notes become more pronounced.

Production
The Steingrube vineyard lies just north of Westhofen in Rheinhessen and is classified as Erste Lage, reflecting its premier status. Its heterogeneous soils include prized parcels rich in limestone, which are particularly well-suited to Chardonnay, lending tension, salinity and fine structure. At Wittmann, the grapes for this wine were selectively hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, then gently pressed to preserve purity and finesse. Fermentation and élevage took place for around one year in carefully selected barriques from top coopers, with approximately 25% new oak, and the wine remained on its full lees for added texture and complexity. It was then transferred to stainless steel for another winter’s maturation on fine lees, allowing the wine to sharpen its precision and freshness while maintaining depth and creaminess. The entire process follows the estate’s certified organic principles, with minimal intervention to let the terroir speak.

Food & Serving
This Chardonnay’s combination of tension, minerality and subtle oak makes it a versatile partner at the table. It pairs beautifully with refined seafood dishes such as grilled turbot, scallops in a light butter sauce, or poached halibut with fennel. It also complements roast chicken with herbs, veal in a creamy morel sauce, or dishes featuring seasonal mushrooms and root vegetables. Soft to semi-hard cheeses like Comté, aged Gouda or mild washed-rind cheeses are equally fitting companions. Serve at 10–12°C to highlight its freshness and aromatic detail; if possible, decant for 30–45 minutes in its youth to allow the wine to open and the oak to fully integrate.

Producer
Weingut Wittmann, based in Westhofen in Rheinhessen, is widely regarded as one of Germany’s leading organic estates and a benchmark for dry Riesling. The Wittmann family has been growing wine since the 17th century, and today the estate is especially renowned for its Grosses Gewächs wines from iconic sites such as Morstein and Brunnenhäuschen. A pioneer of organic and later biodynamic viticulture in the region, Wittmann has played a major role in elevating Rheinhessen to international prominence. Their move into high-calibre Burgundian varieties, including Pinot and Chardonnay, underscores the estate’s ambition and versatility, with the Steingrube Chardonnay Erste Lage now standing as a flagship example of Germany’s emerging top-tier Chardonnay style.

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