LAHRER Pinot Gris 2023 Wöhrle Organic Wine

Nutritional information per 100 ml

Contains negligible amounts of fat, saturates, protein and salt.

Pinot Gris
 

According to legend, Emperor Charles IV (1316-1378) brought the vine from France to Hungary in 1375. There, as so often in wine history, the clergy ensured the variety's survival. In this case, it is said to have been the Cistercian monks at Lake Balaton. Another theory holds that they received it from Burgundy, where the order originated. This story is embedded in its Hungarian name, 'Szürkebarát', meaning 'grey monk'. The variety has an extraordinary number of names, over 150. From Hungary, it supposedly found its way back to Alsace, where it was called Tokay. The first reliable mention of the variety in Germany comes from Speyer in Baden-Württemberg around 1711. Merchant Johann Ruland rescued it from abandoned vineyards and spread it, hence the name still used today, Ruländer. This early-ripening variety is also known by names such as Grauer Clevner, Kleiner Traminer, Rheingrauer or Speyerer. Its grey-blue to reddish-brown colour earned it the description 'grey'. Lovers of Italy will know the grape as Pinot Grigio. Aromas of apple, almond and honey are typical of this extract-rich white with great ageing potential. Its densely packed berries provide ideal conditions for the desired botrytis infection used to produce lusciously sweet wines. It thrives particularly well on loess terraces, but also on calcareous and stony ground; only loamy soils are unsuitable. Pinot Gris is usually made dry, medium-bodied and with a slight emphasis on acidity. The wines' colour varies from pale yellow through golden yellow to amber.

The organic wine reveals smoky aromas with grapefruit and peach notes on the nose.

Wöhrle Wine Estate

The town of Lahr and the Wöhrle estate lie in the northernmost part of the Breisgau. Originally owned by the town, the estate was managed by Hans and Monika Wöhrle from 1979 onwards. When the town of Lahr offered them the estate for sale almost 20 years later, they did not hesitate for long and gladly accepted. Hans and Monika had begun converting the municipal estate to organic cultivation years earlier. This process was completed with the estate’s organic certification in 1991.

After several years of training and gaining experience, including with renowned winegrowers, their son Markus joined the family business at the beginning of 2000. Today he runs the estate together with his wife Tanja. Their guiding principle is respect and responsibility towards nature and the environment. Their motivation is to create an intact ecosystem in which natural cycles promote the vitality of flora and fauna.

The Wöhrle family’s vineyards are spread over 60 plots on the warm slopes of the Schutterlindenberg, a 296-metre-high foothill of the Black Forest and a landmark of the town of Lahr. Calcareous conglomerate rocks and loess deposits make the soils extremely fertile. In the warm summer months, fresh winds blow through the valley, providing the vines with sufficient cooling. The surroundings, together with experience and extensive cellar expertise, enable the Wöhrles to create exceptionally delicate, well-balanced wines. The focus is on Burgundy varieties, dominated by Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, as well as Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay. White wines account for 65 percent, from vineyards that rank among Baden’s finest sites.