wine types
Pinot
Not all Burgunders hail from Burgundy!
The Pinot family of wines, known as Burgunder in Germany, aren’t exclusively in the French growing region of Burgundy. One might say that these varieties know two terroirs, but no boundaries. A vine will make itself at home—and produces the best wines—anyplace where it feels comfortable. Such as at Schlossgut Diel, whose sites are planted not just with Riesling but also excellent Pinot grapes happy to have such a magnificent home. The soils stimulate the vines, and the climate is much to their liking as well.
Whether Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris) or red Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), the many members of the Burgunder family are extremely popular in Germany—and have been for years! While there are no definitive records, Charlemagne (742–814) is believed to have brought Burgunder vines to the Rhine. It is certain that his grandchild Charles III (839–888), known as “The Fat,” had Pinot vines planted in his garden near Lake Constance.
Weiß-, Grau-, or Spätburgunder or Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris?
The term “Burgunderwein” can lead to misunderstandings. ‘Burgunder’ does not differentiate between the grape variety itself and the French region of Burgundy. In France, for example, the respective grape varieties are known exclusively as Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris or Chardonnay. Yet there are plenty of Pinot and Chardonnay vines spread around Germany, and German winegrowers are well versed in the production of excellent, diverse, and enduring wines from Burgunder grapes. It is thus little wonder that some fans of French Pinots have discovered a surprising passion for Burgunder wines from German cellars.