Country: Germany Region: Baden Grape: (Late Harvest) Pinot Noir
Baden is in the southernmost of Germany’s wine regions. It lies far to the south, along the French border near Alsace, and is warmer than most other German wine regions. It is a long, slim strip of vineyards nestled between the hills of the Black Forest and the Rhine River, extending some 240 miles from north to south. Baden is that nation’s third largest wine region, very different from the rest of Germany. It is classified by the EU in Wine Growing Region B with Alsace, Austria and the Loire Valley.
Affentaler has its roots in the Cistercian monks who were cultivating grapes there by 1250. The word Affental means “Valley of the Monkeys,” a name that evolved referencing historic local chapels and the Ave Valley. Since 1997, Leo Klar has been the Cellar Master, and also a certified wine taster for the German Agricultural Society. Both positions fit him well, with his winemaking degrees, skills, and years of learning in both Germany and South Africa.
Only the best, healthiest, ripest, full-bodied late harvested Pinot Noir grapes are used in this dark red selection with its tightly woven aromas of ripe cherries, plum and spices with underlying subtle oak notes. Its powerfully tight body structure offers fruity richness and a long lasting finish. Enjoy now at moderate temps. Pairs well with noble dishes like braised beef, venison or duck. Also a great match for turkey, roast pork and rotisserie chicken.
Affentaler SLK Selection Pinot Noir:
PINOT NOIR — One of the classics of the Champagne and Burgundy regions of France, this selection is proof of Germany’s understanding of this grape. (Australia and New Zealand also offer a suitable climate for successful growing.) Under ideal climatic conditions, it produces the most velvet-like smooth wines. This finicky fruit is difficult to grow, but with flavor variations from cherries to strawberries, well worth the effort. Pinot Noir grapes are light in color, rather low in tannin, and relatively high in alcohol. A loner, it is rarely blended.
