July 28, 2025

Weingut Dr Wehrheim Sonnenschein Spatburgunder

Who makes it?

Sonnenschein Spatburgunder is one of the fine pinot noir wines that the Wehrheim family produce. Their winery can be found in the township of Birkweiler and their cellar door is well worth the visit. The family has been growing grapes for wine for over a century. The Weingut takes its name from Dr Heinz Wehrheim who was instrumental in wines as they are today.

The family focus on not just Riesling but also have some fine Pinot Noirs, such as this one. And also make a fabulously fruity Pinot Blanc and there is a fine Chardonnay too.

How do they make it?

The pinot noir grapes for this particular wine grow on ancient limestone soils or Muschelkalk. The soils have notably larger pieces of gravel that because of their size heat up and release that stored heat as the day cools. This does extend the ripening period of the day in that vineyard.

The grapes are biodynamically grown in the Pfalz region not far from the Rhine River. After ferment, the wine matures for up to 14 months in barrel to add roundness and adds some fleshiness.

What does it taste like?

This is a finely tuned pinot noir. It is fuller in body, with some lush velvety tannins which is what you should expect. The fruit is reminiscent of ripe plums and raspberry and with an additional facet of violet and some herbs. It is a very intensely concentrated wine. Powerfully so. And the spicy nutmeg and raspberry fruit lingers for a long time.

This is very elegant now, but is a wine that is a good candidate for the cellar.