Villa Wolf Pinot Noir 2023

Villa Wolf Pinot Noir is a German red from the Pfalz, qualified as VDP Pfalz and made by Weingut Villa Wolf, an estate founded in 1756 that was acquired in 1996 by Ernst Loosen, who also owns the Dr. Loosen winery and gave Villa Wolf a fresh start. The vines grow on sandy soils, which warm quickly and drain well, suiting the early-ripening, thin-skinned Pinot Noir and giving wines of brightness and delicacy rather than weight. The Pfalz is one of Germany's warmer and sunnier regions, sheltered by the Haardt hills, so Pinot ripens reliably while the northerly latitude keeps the alcohol moderate at 12.5 percent and the acidity fresh. This is a youthful, fruit-led style with little or no oak influence, so the focus stays on the variety and the site. Expect a pale to medium ruby colour, a nose of red cherry, raspberry and redcurrant with a floral, rose-petal lift and a light earthy, herbal note, and a light-bodied, supple palate with soft tannins, fresh acidity and a clean finish. Serve at 14 to 16 degrees, lightly chilled. Good with roast chicken, duck and mushroom dishes.