Pinot Noir, Stein 'Waechter'

The 2022 Stein 'Wächter' Mosel Spätburgunder is a fresh and elegant red wine from the Mosel Valley, a region in Germany typically known for its Rieslings, but also capable of producing high-quality Spätburgunder [Pinot Noir]. The 2022 vintage benefitted from favorable conditions, allowing for optimal ripeness while maintaining the natural acidity that is a hallmark of Mosel wines. 

Winemaker Dr. Ulli Stein is renowned for his commitment to producing wines that express the unique terroir of the Mosel, often with a minimalist approach, letting the terroir and vintage speak clearly through the wine. His belief in the importance of old vines led to the family never grafting to phylloxera-resistant rootstock in the 70s when this practice was the norm. So Ulli now has a profound collection of ungrafted vines, farming around 10% of the ungrafted vines in all of Germany.

The Mosel's steep slopes and slate soils are ideal for growing Spätburgunder, particularly when combined with the region's cool climate. The Waechter Vineyard is among the oldest Pinot Noir vines in the Mosel at 30+ yo. All grapes are harvested by hand, generally in multiple passes. The entry-level wines are often comprised of the first selection through the vineyards. The percentage of grapes destemmed depends on the vintage and specific wine. Élevage in old barriques.