Langenmorgen Riesling G.C. 2022 Dr. Burklin-Wolf

Tasting Note Langenmorgen Riesling G.C. 2022

Initially, it offers aromas of crushed stone, followed by hints of white pepper, with salty, iodine-like notes lingering beneath the scent of ripe orchard fruits. It is deep yet refreshing, and never heavy. With an alcohol content of 12.5%, the Langenmorgen Riesling G.C. 2022 has a light character, with acidity playing a structural role rather than body. It is dry and taut, with chalky nuances in the finish. Its structure suggests it will first become firmer before fully opening up.

Grape Varieties

Riesling is used on its own, as are nearly all wines from Dr. Bürklin-Wolf. In Pfalz, it imparts stone fruit aromas with a firmer mineral backbone.

Cellaring Potential

High acidity and low alcohol content: these two factors keep the dry Riesling vibrant for decades. The 2022 Langenmorgen Riesling G.C. is made for long-term aging rather than immediate enjoyment. Serve this complex Grand Cru Riesling at 12-14°C. If served any colder, the delicate mineral notes will be masked.

About Dr. Burklin-Wolf

Dr. Bürklin-Wolf farms roughly 85 hectares of vineyard across the Mittelhaardt, making it the largest family-owned winery in Germany. The estate sits in Pfalz, sometimes called the Tuscany of Germany for its mild climate and rolling hills. Its holdings cover the big names: Kirchenstück, Pechstein, Kalkofen, and Gaisböhl in Ruppertsberg, which belongs entirely to the estate as a monopole. And the focus is Riesling, bottled site by site to show off the mix of sandstone, limestone, basalt, and clay underfoot. Bettina Bürklin-von Guradze took over from her father in 1990 and pushed the estate toward biodynamics. In 2005 it became the first German winery certified by Biodyvin. Everything is picked by hand, fermented mainly with wild yeasts, and aged in wood or steel depending on the wine.

Terroir & Climate

Langenmorgen is located right next to a forest, which is a crucial factor. This is one of the sunniest and driest areas in Germany. The Pfalz soil here is a mixture of sandstone, limestone, basalt, and clay. Pfalz Riesling usually reads riper and rounder than Mosel, with aromas of peach and apricot rather than green apple; however, the stony and salty notes found in Langenmorgen Riesling G.C. stem from the characteristics of the vineyard itself rather than regional traits.

Winemaking

Since biodynamic farming does not allow chemical measures for the vineyard, manual harvesting and sorting are given the highest priority. Next, wild yeast is used, and large, old oak barrels are employed instead of new oak barrels or stainless steel tanks. Large, neutral oak barrels add a touch of oxygen and texture without imparting vanilla or toasted aromas, this is the essence of single-vineyard wines like Langenmorgen. It is bottled with natural cork. Since no animal-derived fining agents are used, this wine is vegan.

Food Pairing

This crisp acidity cuts through richness and saltiness, making it a perfect match for fish dishes. Recommended pairings:

• Pike-perch or sea bream, plainly grilled
• Shrimp and mussels: The saltiness of the mussels complements the wine's mineral notes
• Roast chicken with lemon
• A mild Thai curry: the stone fruit aromas help balance the spiciness

Since this wine is dry and savoury, avoid pairing it with sweet dishes.