Malterdingen Old Vines Pinot Noir QW Baden 0.75L

Bernhard Huber from Malterdingen is one of Germany's most important Pinot Noir winemakers – and the Alte-Reben-Cuvée is the heart of the winery. The old vines around Malterdingen on the western edge of the Kaiserstuhl are deeply rooted in weathered loess soils over shell limestone, which gives the wine a structure and density that younger vines can hardly achieve.

On the nose, the Pinot Noir shows ripe black cherry and sour cherry, plus a hint of raspberry and a fine, earthy spice – notes reminiscent of forest floor and dried herbs. On the palate, the wine is dense and multi-layered without appearing heavy: the tannins are fine and well-integrated, the acidity lively and supportive. The finish is long, with a slight mineral note that underscores the Kaiserstuhl character. Typical of Huber's style – Burgundian-influenced, yet unmistakably Baden.

This wine needs some time in the glass to open up completely. Those who leave it in the cellar for another year or two will be rewarded with additional complexity and more creaminess. At the table, it pairs well with venison fillet with mushroom jus, roasted duck breast with red cabbage, or ripe Époisses. Serving temperature 16–18 °C.