Rebholz Pfalz Pinot Blanc vom Muschelkalk 2020
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Suckling
James
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Winemaker Notes
Typical for a wine from this location is the smoky, spicy note in the nose, which was shaped by the shell limestone soil. The extraordinary composition of the soil is reflected in a very distinctive taste of minerality - the play of salts and acids - which allows us to "taste" the wine for a very long time. Due to the perfect ripeness of the grapes, the gentle processing of the grapes and mash, as well as our careful aging in stainless steel barrels, a very varietal wine with a lot of elegance was created. The tension between ripeness, strength, fruit, fullness and mineral-cool, elegant acidity make this Pinot Blanc so appealing.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
What a beautiful nose of sour cherries and red beets this Pfalz pinot noir has! Super-elegant and very fresh, this may only be medium-bodied, but it has wonderfully fine tannins and has been built to last. A shining star that shines brightest at the very long, mineral finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Respekt certification.
Other Vintages
2019-
Suckling
James -
Parker
Robert
The Rebholz estate, in the southern Pfalz region of Germany, is a pioneer in organic and natural winemaking. The estate has been certified organic since 2005 and practicing biodynamic since 2006. However, even as far back as 1951, Eduard Rebholz (1889-1966), who received the title Ökonomierat, an honorary title conferred upon a deserving agriculturist, was commenting on his natural approach: "You will receive only natural wine from my cellar, wine that is the result of intense and loving cultivation of the vines and of similar vinicultural methods (no chaptalization, no artificial addition of a Süßreserve or similar fundamental structural changes that alter the native character of the wine and, in my eyes, mean that it is no longer a natural product."
This tradition continues with the current generation; Birgit and Hansjörg Rebholz together with their children Hans, Valentin and Helene work as close to nature as possible. In an effort to promote a healthy ecosystem and to protect the environment, they forgo the use of herbicides, synthetic fungicides and mineral fertilizers. They use only organic and biodynamic techniques and materials that promote healthy plants, helping the vines grow strong and prosper naturally. While these methods involve more time and effort, it is a price they are willing to accept in order to best protect and preserve the biodiversity within their vineyards
The earliest recorded history of winegrowing by the Rebholz family in Siebeldingen dates back to 1632. From beer brewer to village mayor, family members have held a wide range of titles over the years. The single constant: always at least one winemaker in the family. Around 100 years ago the Rebholz clan took the estate house, first built in the 16th century, as their family home. The Rebholz family only began bottling their wine following the Second World War, as an alternative to delivering entire barrels to local inns and restaurants.
Approachable, aromatic and pleasantly plush on the palate, Pinot Blanc is a white grape variety most associated with the Alsace region of France. Although its heritage is Burgundian, today it is rarely found there and instead thrives throughout central Europe, namely Germany and Austria, where it is known as Weissburgunder and Alto Adige where it is called Pinot Bianco. Interestingly, Pinot Blanc was born out of a mutation of the pink-skinned Pinot Gris. Somm Secret—Chardonnay fans looking to try something new would benefit from giving Pinot Blanc a try.
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.