Weinhaus Ress Pinot Noir Trocken 2016

Balthasar Ress was founded in 1870 by a hotelier of that name, who wanted to make wine to serve his guests. Now run by the fourth and fifth generations of the family, the company still produces wine under Balthasar’s original brand name: ’Von Unserm’, literally ‘from us’, a dry, multi-vineyard blend that represents the house style. From their base in Hattenheim, in the epicentre of the Rheingau, Ress control many superb vineyards that are bottled as single-site wines.

This Rheingau Pinot Noir is made from fruit sourced from selected Rheingau vineyards. The soil consists of loam and loess. The grapes are selectively harvested by hand, and where possible, mechanically, depending on the general condition of the grapes.

The grapes arrived at the winery in containers that were emptied over the wine press, making it possible to dispense entirely with crushing and pumping. Fermentation with cultured yeasts took place in temperature- controlled stainless steel vats after the must had settled.

The second most important grape variety in the Rheingau – with a tradition approaching that of Riesling – and at the Balthasar Ress estate, is Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir). It accounts for about 12% of the Rheingau’s total vineyard area.

The Pinots were probably among the earliest varieties to have been selected from wild grapes in west central Europe. Spätburgunder, a noble and very old varietal, requires considerable care and makes high demands on climate and soil. The wines taste full-bodied and velvety, and have a fruity aroma with almond nuances. A typical Spätburgunder has a slightly sweet scent reminiscent of red fruits, from strawberry to cherry to blackberry or blackcurrant.

Spätburgunder grapes can fully ripen in the Balthasar Ress vineyards on the steep slopes of Assmannshausen. Only the healthiest grapes are used to produce red wines.

Weinhaus Ress Pinot Noir Trocken – Hay Wines