Birkweiler Keuper Chardonnay

Chardonnay from Keuper – in the Southern Palatinate, that means less butter and wood, more tension and mineral depth. This wine from Dr. Wehrheim shows what the grape variety can do when the soil has the say.

The Dr. Wehrheim winery is located in Birkweiler, one of the quiet quality centers of the Palatinate. The family manages sites on Keuper – a sandstone-clay mixture that gives white wines a firm framework and an unmistakable spiciness. Chardonnay on this subsoil develops quite differently than on limestone or loess: leaner, edgier, longer.

In the nose, quince appears first, plus sandalwood and a hint of cardamom – an unusual, slightly oriental spice line that makes the wine immediately recognizable. Floral notes and a touch of fresh mint provide liveliness. On the palate, a firm, steely body with real power: no opulence, but backbone. Pome fruit, quince again, and in the finish a light extract sweetness that reminds of baked yeast cake – well integrated, never heavy.

Serving temperature: 11–13 °C. Goes well with sweetbreads with capers, pasta with truffle cream sauce or strong mountain cheese.