What I Learned
The smallest of all Baden wine districts lies within the largest, the Kaiserstuhl. The Tuniberg is an enormous bank of limestone, geologically quite distinct from the surrounding volcanic Kaiserstuhl. It is an elevated area, separated from the Kaiserstuhl by a broad valley, and it is further away from the Rhine.
As well as the Jurassic-era limestone soils here, this area has a good aspect for planting vineyards. This is further enhanced by a system of terracing put in place in the 60s and 70s. It also has great exposure to the sun, and lies in one of Germany’s warmest regions. As a result of this fortuitous combination, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir, all flourish here. (In German, they are known as Weissburgunder, Grauburgunder and Spaetburgunder, respectively.) In consequence, this district holds the title of the “Burgundy Oasis” of Germany.
About 70% of the grapes harvested here are from this group. The other grape varietals grown here in quantity include the white varietals of Chardonnay, Mueller Thurgau, and Muskateller.
What I Tasted
2015 Kalkboedele Rose, Kabinett, Trocken, Weingut Gebrueder Mathis (Merdingen): A dry rose (Spaetburgunder), with light cranberry juice color; nose cherry and licorice; smoke and cherry flavors; medium light tannins; light on the palate overall, yet a good summer rose that will pair nicely with even grilled red meats.
2015 Weissburgunder, Munzinger Kapellenberg, Kabinett, Trocken, Weingut Baumann (Munzingen): A dry white wine with medium gold color; peach and apricot nose with a hint of floral perfume, with peach, apricot, and toasted nuts flavors; medium acidity
2013 Merlot, Munzinger Kapellenberg, Q.b.A., Trocken, Weingut E. Baumann (Munzingen): A dry red wine with medium ruby red color; sour cherry nose, with sour cherry and vanilla flavors; medium tannins.
2012 Pinot Noir, Merdinger Buehl, trocken, Qualitaetswein, Weingut Kalkboedele Gebrueder Mathis (Merdingen): A dry red wine with medium red brick color; slight oak nose, and peppery spice, cherry, smoke and oak flavors, mild tannins.
2012 Weissburgunder, Opfinger Sonnenberg, QbA, Trocken, Opfinger Winzer: A dry white wine with light gold color; nose minerally, with grass, honey and vanilla flavors; light, refreshing mouth-feel, unique.
2012 Spaetburgunder, Munzinger Kapellen Berg, Qualitaetswein, Trocken, Winzerverein Munzingen (Munzingen): A dry red wine with light plus red color; cherry and vanilla nose, with flavors of the same; medium plus tannins.
2012 Spaetburgunder, Merdinger Buehl, Trocken, Qualitaetswein, Weingut Heger (Ihringen): A dry red wine with medium light red color, notes of ripe red berries, smoke and slight spice.