2016 Weingut Thörle Saulheim Spätburgunder Kalkstein

Rheinhessen, Germany

Weingut Thörle is located in the Rheinhessen region of Germany and is run by two brothers, Christoph and Johannes, who took over from their parents in 2006 at the age of 22 and 24. As can be seen all over Germany, there is a younger generation making their mark in the industry and the Thörle brothers have put their own spin on the winery. Organic viticulture, wild fermentation, using mostly neutral oak, and limited fining and filtering of the wine lets the terroir shine through in their wines.

A step up from their entry level Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), the Saulheim Spätburgunder Kalkstein comes from only vineyards located in Saulheim, including some of Thörle’s most prized top vineyard sites; Hölle and Probstey. These sites are organically farmed, have old vines, low yields, and a higher limestone content, hence the Kalkstein naming of this bottling, which translates to limestone. Hand harvested, naturally fermented with wild yeasts, aged in a mix of large very old oak vats and smaller oak barriques, and bottled unfiltered and unfined, the wine has great balance and is well-integrated across the palate.

Look forward to notes of wild strawberries and black cherries with hints of mint, worn leather, smoke, and subtle oak all framed by silky soft tannins, bright acidity, and incredible limestone minerality. It offers great value with loads of complexity and a long and satisfying finish.

$38.95