Did you know that it was International Pinot Noir Day on August 18th, 2021?

*Gasp* - WHAAAAATTTTT - YOU DIDN’T KNOW?????

Don’t worry, neither did I……until the day of. And then I figured it out quickly because it was all over my Instagram feed in a way that I simply could not avoid :) I”m literally terrible with these wine holidays. Apparently, there are about 50 of them. I better get on that……

In the meantime, my late breaking realization about this one (i.e. International Pinot Noir Day) was not at all painful for yours truly because I am deeply and desperately in love with Pinot Noir. Not in a little-kid-crush kind of way but truly, madly and deeply.

I mean, who are we kidding, I love all wine and all grape varieties…..but there is something special about Pinot Noir. If ever I got stuck on a deserted island and could only take one wine with me……

But here’s the thing. Pinot Noir can be intensely varied, taking on extremely different characteristics depending on where it is grown and by whom it is produced. And at times, it can be all too common, especially those super common examples that you see all the time (I won’t name any names, this isn’t that kind of blog!).

So, on this International Pinot Noir Day, I would like to highlight a Pinot Noir that I think fewer people might be familiar with - a Pinot Noir from Baden, Germany.

2018 Königschaffhauser Steingrüble Trocken Pinot Noir

Known locally as “Spatburgunder”, Pinot Noir is one of the most important red varietal wines made in Germany and the wine region of Baden is perhaps its most famous home within the country.

Located across the Rhine River from Alsace, France (where Pinot Noir is also grown and made into wine), Baden is Germany’s southern most wine region which makes it a relatively warm location with ample sunshine and warmer days that allow Pinot Noir to thrive. This is a place of stunning natural beauty, quaint villages, spa retreats galore and variable terroir which gives differing expressions to all of the wines produced here.

This particular example - 2018 Königschaffhauser Steingrüble Trocken Pinot Noir - is a dry, fruity Pinot Noir made by a large cooperative. But hey, don’t let the cooperative bit fool you into thinking this isn’t a good wine. It’s actually phenomenal for the price.

Elegant, smooth and supple, with a nose full of soft cherry, strawberry and jasmine notes and a palate that is rich, sleek, and offering notes of red field berries, jam, vanilla and cinnamon, this wine can be paired with a range of food or drunk on its own. Even though it is 14% ABV, you really can’t detect the relatively high level of alcohol. It is very well made.

Wineitupanotch rating - 90 points.

What I appreciate most about this wine is its uniqueness. It is not so often that we can find a Pinot Noir from Baden in our parts so when you do, be sure to try some! I’m certain you won’t be disappointed!

Cheers!