A Charming Spätburgunder from Baden Weiler
I’m here in Baden Weiler, a small spa town at the foot of Germany’s Black Forest in Baden. After a long drive across the Austrian and Swiss alps, my friends and I settle down for a nice meal and glass of wine at the Ratskeller. Past the glowing lights and down the red carpeted steps, we enter a spacious and lively cellar restaurant. Adorned with classic German decor and in the heart of Germany’s pinot country, this atmosphere had me excited to get tasting! Our waitress recommended their local Spätburgunder (pinot noir) from the Britzinger winery.
On the top right, a cult classic poster for the 1920’s era film, Der Blaue Engel (The Blue Angel).
I did some translating from the Britzinger website to understand the winemaker’s history and practices. Around 1500, Baroness Elizabeth von Neuenfels gifted a large oak forest to the city of Britzinger. This area later became the land where the Britzinger cooperative winery established its’ roots. Their quaint logo illustrates the Baroness being gifted an honorary glass of wine. I love the old-world logos of many wineries in Germany, it reminds me of their history and entices my imagination to bygone eras. However, as romantic as the past can be, technology has aided today’s viticulture immensely.
Britzinger wineries have a few practices they use for their pinot noir. They take advantage of cooler fermenting temperatures, which coaxed out a fresher fruit profile. The specific yeasts and clarification also give these wines a greater complexity. (Britzinger)
My friend Nick enjoying his wine
The Tasting
The ruby red wine glows against the dim lights. The aromas transport me to a typical German garden, full of fresh strawberries and a hint of mint. The wine is in great balance. The medium acidity, subtle tannins, and amazing strawberry notes all blend into a delicious and drinkable wine. Though this wine is of its own merit, the charm of this restaurant was certainly a cherry on the top. I will be picking up a bottle of this to bring home to New York!
The next day, my friends and I sought out the Britzinger vineyard. After peering through the window into the dark store and seeing a “geschlossen” sign, we realized they were closed for a holiday. Traurig. (Sad)
I was glad to see the vineyards but was sorry to leave Baden Weiler and that delicious Britzinger wine behind. We are often so certain of our control over life, even if it’s as simple as buying a bottle of wine. So much of what I love about wine is it reminds us to be present. Embracing a simple moment with great friends, delicious food, and amazing wine. That next glass is never promised- so savor it! Prost aus Baden!
