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WINE COLUMN
Grand Cru – the Grandest and Most Distinctive of German Wines
Grand Cru wines are the highest-quality German wines. They have been classified by the VDP (Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter), Germany’s association of elite wine producers, as ‘VDP.GROSSE LAGE®’ – otherwise known as Grosse Lage or Grosses Gewächs.
Such wines are produced from grapes grown in only the finest-quality German vineyards. These vineyards produce wines notable for their individual character and ability to express the essence of their vineyard of origin. They are also known for their long potential cellarability. Grand Cru wines are planted with grape varieties typical for the region and matching the terroir of that respective vineyard. Multi-award-winning German wine merchant, The WineBarn, recommends these three Grand Cru wines…
DR HEGER
The complex and delicate fruit flavours of this wine perfectly reflect the volcanic terroir of the vineyard it originates from. This Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc) has an extraordinarily fresh and clean bouquet reminiscent of salty lemons, citrus blossom, tart starfruit and almonds. Lively on the palate with a brilliant structure, it has a day-bright aroma, lean raciness, vivid finesse and glittering mineralic acidity. Its crystal-clear finish, with stony minerality, gives hints of crisp apple and lemon peel. This dry white wine is a superb accompaniment to poached or pan-fried fish dishes, white meat and pasta.
FRANZ KELLER
A dry white wine from Franz Keller’s very best vineyard. This Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris) has a bracing acidity with a hint of fruit, honey and tarragon. Flavours of lemon and pink grapefruit cut through the wine’s richness with a striking freshness. Fermented in barriques (oak barrels), it has smoky and surly qualities. This premium quality wine pairs perfectly with fried fish and strong cheeses.
BISCHEL
This dry Riesling originates from the oldest vines grown in Bischel’s Hundertgulden vineyards. Vines are grown in limestone soil that has a base of coral reef that formed during the tertiary era. The steep, south-west facing slope is one of the most calcareous vineyards in Germany therefore produces highly distinctive wines. Aromas of peach, ripe apple, spice and herbs fill the nose. Rich and complex, this full-bodied Riesling has flavours of quince, pear and exotic fruits. It has an excellent salty minerality in its long-lasting finish. This wine is the ideal companion for seafood in all variations, especially oysters or scallops.
Dr Heger 2016 Ihringer Winklerberg Weissburgunder Rappenecker Grand Cru Dry
Franz Keller 2015 Achkarrer Schlossberg Grauburgunder Grand Cru Dry
Bischel 2019 Appenheimer Hundertgulden Riesling Grand Cru dry Bischel‘s Vineyards in Rheinhessen.
To find your new favourite German wine, you can contact the awardwinning merchant The WineBarn now. Visit: www.thewinebarn.co.uk Call: 0044 (0)1962 761 215 Email: wine@thewinebarn.co.uk
Iris Ellmann is the managing director of The WineBarn, a multi-award-winning wine merchant that has been importing premium German wines to the UK for over 20 years. The WineBarn team lives, breathes and loves wine.
Photo: Iris Ellmann
