St. Andreas Andreasberg Pinot Blanc First Growth - Schloss Ortenberg

The Andreasberg Weißburgunder from Schloss Ortenberg shows what a historic monopoly site can extract from a classic grape variety: substance, minerality, and clear contour.

The Andreasberg site has been cultivated since the 15th century — one of the oldest documented vineyard sites in Baden. The Schloss Ortenberg winery is located in the Ortenau district, nestled between the Black Forest in the east and the Rhine in the west. The southwest orientation and the weathered granite soil of the site noticeably shape the wine: granite provides minerality but gives little water — the vines work hard.

In the glass, it shows a dry Weißburgunder with aromas of yellow apple, white peach, and a hint of almond. The acidity is present but integrated, the mouthfeel dense and full-bodied — typical for Weißburgunder from warmer Baden sites. The finish is long, with a fine mineral line reminiscent of the granite soil.

Best served at 10–12 °C with veal medallions in morel sauce, fried zander fillet, or an aged mountain cheese. It also cuts a fine figure as an accompaniment to Asian-inspired dishes with ginger and lemongrass.