A FOCUS ON... Reichsrat Von Buhl
26/02/2022
The Von Buhl winery is to be found in the village of Deidesheim - right at the heart of Pfalz, Germany's second-largest wine-growing region. The region is very much a continuation of Alsace, sitting in a similar rain shadow just to the east of the Haardt Mountains (what the Vosges turn into!
Similar to Alsace, it is a region ruled by Riesling. Von Buhl produces mainly Rieslings, but in such a wide range of styles - running the scale from bone dry all the way through to lusciously sweet and even sparkling - that there is also something new to discover. They also make a little red from Pinot Noir, or as it is know in Germany 'Spätburgunder', a grape that thrives in the warmer climates of Pfalz.
Their style is a traditional one. The winery has been operating since 1849, and although it has passed through many hands to where it is now, they have always been lucky enough to occupy some of the best locations on the Mittelhaardt. Their vineyards include sites with deep volcanic soils, sandy granitic sites and earth rich in oceanic minerality, and incorporates a number of grand cru / 'grosses gewachs' vineyards, which they use for their single vineyard Rieslings.
Ever since its founding, Von Buhl has been recognised as being one of Germany's most prestigious wineries. Within years of beginning production, their wines had ended up as some of the most expensive wines in the world at the time, and when the Suez Canal was opened officially in 1869 - well it was a Von Buhl Riesling in the glasses that they toasted it with!
With such a rich heritage, it makes sense that Von Buhl focus on creating wines in a terroir-dominated and timeless style. Their classic styles speak for themselves, and they keep up-to-date through the introduction of new ranges (like the sparkling sekt) and by holding themselves to higher standards in terms of natural and sustainable viticulture so that the soils they work can continue to excel for many generations down the line. Reichsrat von Buhl has used organic farming methods since 2006, and their estate has been officially certified organic since 2009.
Here at Brompton we stock their Riesling and their Spätburgunder, so you can explore both white and red options - or try both! We also carry the Riesling as a magnum for bigger get-togethers or celebrations (just in case you have any other canals to open any time soon...!)
Bone Dry Riesling
Bone Dry Riesling (magnum)
The most noble of the German grapes. If you as a wine drinker are not familiar with German Riesling, then you are missing out! One thing to watch out for with German Rieslings is that the style and sweetness levels can vary, luckily this bottle spells it out in the name. Bright and lively with distinctive aromas of fresh peach and apricot, the fruit is counterbalanced by an edge of flint and minerality. It's full and intense on the palate with a little fleshiness and real approachability. Excellent length with a vibrant, precise finish of fresh grapefruit.
Spätburgunder
Spätburgunder = Pinot Noir in German - and introduced to Germany direct from its native homeland of Burgundy. Due to the cooler climate, it will usually be lighter in colour, body and tannic acidity than Pinot Noir from warmer climes that you may have tried. This bottle contains forest aromas, and concentrated fruit aromas of blueberries and cherries. Plenty of lively fruit and ripe tannins with a long sophisticated finish.
