Karl May Gutswein Pinot Noir 2018

Germany is synonymous with fine Riesling, so it may surprise you to know this country also makes excellent reds from Pinot Noir, known there often as Spätburgunder. In fact there’s something of a red wine boom underway, making Germany the third largest producer of Pinot Noir after France and the US. This lovely example is from brothers Peter and Fritz May, seventh generation winemakers at the Karl May estate. Both have studied oenology and travelled widely, Peter having worked at Framingham in New Zealand (famous for Pinot Noir). They use eco-friendly methods in the vineyard and a non-interventional approach in the cellar. Full of ripe, red berry character with serious depth, this 2018 is delightful on its own and very versatile with food.