I was roaming around the NH Liquor store today looking for a different wine to enjoy on my day-off while preparing dinner.  While walking through the “Discount Warehouse” I saw one remaining bottle of red wine in the German section.  Considering I almost never see red German wines anywhere (typically with good reason), I thought I would give this a shot as it was deeply discounted (marked down from $30 to $21).

This version of the famous Pinot Noir grape has a history that is incredibly long and somewhat unlikely.  Viticulture in the Württemberg area in Germany dates back to the 8^th Century with the mention of the Neipperg Schlossberg vineyards. Due to the recognition that climate makes a huge impact on the development of grapes, the region became almost wholly planted with white grapes (mostly Riesling).  It wasn’t until about 50 years ago that red grapes, specifically Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), broke back into relevance.

So how was this bad boy?

2003 Grafen Neipperg Spätburgunder Qualitätswein Trocken Württemberg, Germany

The start was quite uneventful, with a little dank cherry initially.  I decided to let it breathe a bit before going further and I am certainly pleased I did.  The nose was very subtle, but deep, with cherry and herb.  The palate had slightly underweighted acidity, however, that is being knit-picky.  The medium-body shone flavors of cherry and cranberry with a medium finish.

Overall, I really ended up enjoying this wine and thought that it was a uniquely German representation of Pinot Noir.  I would certainly recommend you keep an open-mind and give Spätburgunder a shot if you have the chance.