2020 Salwey Estate Pinot Noir

When one thinks of Germany they usually think of Riesling and other fresh white wines, but they also make some delicious reds. As the climate warms up, the Pinot Noirs of Germany keep getting better and better. Salwey is a producer located in the region of Baden, in the south of Germany in the Kaiserstuhl area, which is the area for winemaking in the country. The estate pinot noir is absolutely delicious, with candied red fruits and a spicy finish. 

"Beginning its third generation lead by Konrad Salwey, the estate is committed to the classic Kaiserstuhl varietals Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. Konrad is known for experimentation, taking chances with new techniques and procedures in the interest of advancing the style of vinification. His particularly strong affection and passion is reserved for Pinot Gris, truly the flagship of the estate. The wines are always fermented completely dry and always characterized and defined by the Loess and vulcanic soil of the area. During the fermentation process nature is allowed time and space without ever leaving the process to chance. “We require the absolute highest standards in tending to our vineyards. 100% of the selection is performed by hand and fermentation is done exclusively with natural yeast mostly in big “ovals”. We avoid fining of the wines and almost always bottle without filtration.” The family winery is situated in Germany’s most sun-drenched region, known as the Kaiserstuhl atop an extinguished volcano not far from Switzerland and across the Rhein from Alsace. Viticultural roots of the family date back to the 18th century. The winery, however, was founded in 1950 by Benno Salwey in Oberrotweil. In 1985 his son Wolf-Dietrich took charge. After his unexpected passing in a car accident in 2011 his eldest son Konrad assumed ownership and today is responsible for managing this 49 hectare estate. Although fully involved in the family winery since 2002, Konrad at first sorely missed the experience and wisdom of his father, though he has now developed a clear vision of the wines he wants to produce in the future." -- Winery