Borell-Diehl Pinot Noir Trocken Pfalz

Germany does not always get the credit it deserves for Pinot Noir, but Borell-Diehl is quietly making the case that the Pfalz belongs in the conversation. The wine comes from a family-owned estate in Hainfeld where the timbered home at the heart of the property dates back to 1619. The estate in its current form was born in 1990 when Annette Borell and Thomas Diehl married and united their families’ three wineries into one. Starting with just 5 hectares, they have since grown to 35 hectares of vineyards, all within 5 kilometers of Hainfeld, planted across a complex geology of loess, limestone, red sandstone, and minerally muschelkalk. No systemic pesticides or herbicides are used, there is no irrigation, and as of 2018 the wines are certified vegan by the European Vegetarian Union.

This Pinot Noir, known in Germany as Spatburgunder, is hand-harvested from estate-owned sites on sandstone, muschelkalk, and loess soils. It is tank-fermented and then aged in large, neutral French oak barrels at least three years old, a deliberate choice that allows the fruit to speak without any new oak interference. The result is exactly what great German Pinot Noir should be: exquisitely fruity, silken in texture, and completely dry, the kind of under-the-radar gem that reminds you that the Pfalz can go toe to toe with Burgundy at a fraction of the price.

Borell-Diehl Pinot Noir Trocken Pfalz Notes to Your Senses:

• APPEARANCE: Medium ruby with a translucent, Burgundian clarity
• AROMA: Red cherry, raspberry, and a subtle earthy, mineral lift
• TASTE: Silky and fruity with delicate structure, fresh acidity, and a light, elegant touch of oak
• FINISH: Clean, refined, and lingering
• ABV: 13.5%