Great Pinot Noirs from Germany

German wines have never been so popular with our customers, and in 2020 we have increased our range yet again to satisfy this growing demand. Thanks to a new generation of winemakers, Germany has earned itself a reputation for producing incredibly fresh and versatile white wines, but have you seen what they can do with Pinot Noir?

Many wine lovers might associate Pinot with fine (and expensive) Burgundy, New Zealand and perhaps other New World countries. But it’s a little known fact that Germany is actually the world’s third largest producer of this popular grape variety.

The majority of plantings are in the southerly, warmer regions of Baden and the Pfalz. With styles varying from the more traditional, oak-influenced and fuller Spätburgunder (another name for Pinot Noir) to modern, lighter and fruitier styles, it’s fair to say there is a Pinot Noir for every occasion.

In fact, German Pinot Noir is especially good in the winter months, pairing wonderfully well with hearty game dishes, steak and mushroom pie, and even roast turkey with all the traditional Christmas trimmings!

While the lighter styles lend themselves beautifully to salmon and other seafood dishes, as well as soft creamy cheeses like Camembert and Brie.

With so many fine German Pinots out there to choose from, we thought we’d narrow it down for you and highlight a few of our current favourites!

Modernist Pinot Noir 2018

From the Louis Guntrum family – who have 11 generations of expertise producing excellent wines in the Rheinhessen – the Modernist Pinot Noir is a truly modern expression of German Pinot Noir.

“Elegant, light and fruity with aromas of ripe cherry and strawberries, and hints of peppery spice. This is mirrored on the palate and accompanied by typically soft Pinot style tannins and a lovely lick of acidity.” – Dirk Roth, Winemaker.

Lenne Pinot Noir 2019

Lenne Pinot Noir is an exceptional value Pinot from the Pfalz region. Cool nights but long, warm days in the Rhine Valley allow this summer fruits red to retain all of its freshness, while developing intensity and complexity to its red fruit flavour profile.

“Warm and medium-bodied, with a firm acid structure. Its dark cherry fruit is juicy, ripe and forward, with a spicy mid-palate. Several months of barrique ageing gives the wine a smoky depth and a nice touch of earthy tannins. This is a very grown-up Pinot Noir for the price and it is an ideal match for roasted lamb, smoked salmon and feathered game, like quail or pheasant.” – Bernhard Schug, Winemaker.

Jean Stodden J Spatburgunder 2018

Classic in style, with a light and delicate texture but intensely fresh red berried fruit, Jean Stodden J Spatburgunder is a fine example of Germany’s ability to make the finest Pinot Noir. They’ve extracted maximum character from the grapes without putting its elegance into any jeopardy whatsoever. This is a light wine but with a punch of intense red berries and raspberries and a hint of spice from carefully used oak barrels, and the impressive vibrancy gives the finish remarkable length.

“The nose is filled with the aromas of black and red fruits. On the palate, it offers supple, juicy fruit and spice. It has plenty of structural tannin to support many years of aging without being aggressive or hard and offers a long, lingering finish.” – Alexander Stodden, Winemaker.

Lergenmuller Saigner Rosé Trocken 2019

This Pinot Noir rosé effortlessly delivers the fine, fresh and elegant style that is the order of the day, and that so many other rosé producers try and fail to achieve. In the Lergenmuller Saigner Rosé Trocken you’ll find pretty aromatics of wild strawberries, along with a vibrancy of freshly picked red cherries on the palate.

How about a rosé and turkey pairing? This wine has the juicy fruit flavours to pair with lighter meat and cranberry sauce, and at 11.5% it’s a refreshingly lighter match for the Christmas table. A drop of this will also go rather nicely with other festive favourites such as smoked salmon.

Like what you hear? You can browse the many exquisite wines in our German range right here.