Andreas Bender Pinot Noir 2024

Andreas Bender works from the Mosel valley in Germany, where he learned the vineyards around Leiwen from his father before setting out on his own. This Pinot Noir, known locally as Spätburgunder, is farmed organically and made without animal products. The Mosel's steep blue and grey slate slopes hold daytime heat and radiate it back to the vines, helping Pinot Noir ripen in a cool northern climate while the high latitude and cool nights keep acidity bright and tannins fine. The result is a light, transparent style of Pinot Noir rather than a heavy one. Fermentation and ageing are handled to keep the fruit fresh and the structure delicate, with little obvious oak. The colour is pale ruby. The nose shows red cherry, raspberry and a floral lift over a fine earthy, slightly peppery edge. The palate is light to medium bodied with crisp acidity, gentle tannin and a clean red fruited finish. Serve slightly cool, at fourteen to sixteen degrees. It suits roast duck, chicken and earthy mushroom dishes.