This is the entry level Pinot Noir from Jean Stodden, one of the top Pinot Noir producers from Germany. Stodden comes from Ahr, the smallest wine growing region in Germany. At 50 degrees latitude North (northern most limit of wine growing on mainland Europe), this is indeed cool climate wine growing which is especially useful for Pinot Noir. Without the Ahr River and slate soil, Pinot Noir would not be possible here.
This is a fruity and easy going Pinot with good balance. Delightful on its own or with simple food. Will give many Bourgogne rouge a run for its money!
If you are after a top and small artisanal producer, you must try this. Only 6.5ha in total and he makes only about 45,000 bottles per year!
For those who are new, some info on Stodden for you below:
The Stodden family has been dedicated to producing wine since 1578. Blessed with some of the most exceptional Grand Cru sites of the Ahr valley such as Herrenberg, where ungrated Pinot Noir is grown, Alexander Stodden today makes world class Pinot Noir with the unmistakable typicity of the Ahr – full bodied, ripe and fruity yet with juiciness and structure.
‘Stodden is without doubt the best producer on the Ahr today.’ Joel Payne, author of Gault Millau German Wine Guide
Stodden has consistently performed in blind tasting competitions and also won numerous awards:
• Won 1st in the 2016 Decanter Global Pinot Noir tasting beating
competition from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the
U.S. The tasting was designed to find the best Pinot outside
Burgundy.
• 4 stars Gault Millau German Wine Guide 2016
• 5 stars Eichelmann German Wine Guide 2016
• Collection of the Year in 2014 by Feinschmecker, Germany’s
leading gourmet magazine
• 2011 – Came in Top 10 in the German Pinot vs Rest of the world
Pinot including Burgundy