Burklin-Wolf Estate Rouge 2018
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Cuvée rouge was created by cellar master Nicola Libelli and is a composition of local grape varieties It displays notes of juicy blackberry fruit with just a touch of meatiness. It has integrated tannins with just a touch of oak.
Holdings total 110 hectares (275 acres) in the Mittelhardt - the quality core of the world-renowned Pfalz region, including most of the top sites in Wachenheim, Forst, Deidsheim and Ruppertsberg. Ruppertsberg's Gaisbohl and Wachenheim's Rechbachel are owned by Dr. Burklin-Wolf in their entirety.
Impressive enough for the significance of its tradition and holdings, Dr. Burklin-Wolf also stands for the future: Following more than a decade in which the entire of Germany had lost its way in international markets, 1990 witnessed an infusion of fresh energy and creativity with the passing on of estate management to Bettina Burklin and her husband, Christian von Guradze.
Delving minutely into their glorious heritage, Bettina and Christian saw that the basis for a return to the world's dinner table was at hand. in the vineyards which surrounded them. Burklin wines from Riesling's Golden Era of the late 19th and early 20th centuries preserved in the estate cellars pointed the way: Rich textured, long lived, exquisite expressions of highly definitive terroirs, fermented naturally dry in traditional oak cooperage.
With hundreds of red grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended red wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged resulting in a wide variety of red wine styles. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a red wine blend variety that creates a fruity and full-bodied wine would do well combined with one that is naturally high in acidity and tannins. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
How to Serve Red Wine
A common piece of advice is to serve red wine at “room temperature,” but this suggestion is imprecise. After all, room temperature in January is likely to be quite different than in August, even considering the possible effect of central heating and air conditioning systems. The proper temperature to aim for is 55° F to 60° F for lighter-bodied reds and 60° F to 65° F for fuller-bodied wines.
How Long Does Red Wine Last?
Once opened and re-corked, a bottle stored in a cool, dark environment (like your fridge) will stay fresh and nicely drinkable for a day or two. There are products available that can extend that period by a couple of days. As for unopened bottles, optimal storage means keeping them on their sides in a moderately humid environment at about 57° F. Red wines stored in this manner will stay good – and possibly improve – for anywhere from one year to multiple decades. Assessing how long to hold on to a bottle is a complicated science. If you are planning long-term storage of your reds, seek the advice of a wine professional.
This sunny and relatively dry region served for many years as a German tourist mecca and was associated with low cost, cheerful wines. But since the 1980s, it has gained a reputation as one of Germany’s more innovative regions, which has led to increased international demand.