Weingut Ziereisen Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc)

Hanspeter and Edeltraud Ziereisen farm 10 hectares of limestone-rich slopes in Efringen-Kirchen in the Markgräflerland — the far southwestern corner of Germany where the Rhine forms the border with both France and Switzerland, and the climate and soils correspond closely to Burgundy. Known primarily as one of Germany's greatest Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) producers, Ziereisen brings the same patient, minimal-intervention philosophy to his whites. The Pinot Blanc is sourced from various estate sites on limestone with loess, clay, and iron — given a brief skin maceration before fermentation in stainless steel, then racked into large, old neutral barrels for extended lees aging that adds texture without oak influence. Dry, precise, and mineral, with green apple, quince, white flowers, and a flinty, refreshing finish that earns comparison to fine Burgundian whites.

Food Pairings: Grilled trout or salmon, Alsatian tarte flambée, roast chicken, soft-rind and washed-rind cheeses, vegetable quiche, spätzle with herbs