Schäfer Fröhlich Estate Pinot Blanc 2022

100% Weisser Burgunder (Pinot Blanc) from the Nahe. Produced from an 18 year old estate vineyard in Bockenau, planted to red slate soil, the 2022 Weisser Burgunder is vinified in a mix stainless steel and neutral oak, with malolactic fermentation blocked to keep the final wine fresh and crisp. Sweet melon, white peach, lemon balm, and lemon zest aromatics waft from the glass, while a gentle acid harmonizes with a mineral backbone for a long, tantalizing finish. Consider pouring a glass of this creamy and complex wine alongside tempura (shrimp and vegetable), aioli dolloped crab cakes, or a comforting quiche Lorraine. 

The Schäfer-Fröhlich winery was founded in the 1970s when two families, melded through marriage, lay the groundwork for what would become one of the most renowned wineries in Nahe.

Currently the winery is helmed by 9th generation, winemaker Tim Fröhlich, helping put the village of Bockenau (a subregion of the Nahe) where it is based, on the map. The dedication of Tim and his team is evident as some of the vineyards are so steep (up to 70 percent incline) that farming and harvest must be done by hand. The arrayed vineyard soils are characteristic and, without getting too “in the weeds” include: volcanic porphyry (a coarse pinkish-red), Blue Devonian slate (yes, it is blue and very pretty), blue slate, red slate, and quartz, all of which help create powerful, expressive, and racy wines.