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Paul Anheuser Kreuznacher Forst Grauer Burgunder

📍 Nahe, Germany 🍇 Grauer Burgunder (Pinot Gris) 100% 🍷 12.5% 💰 £12-15
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🍷 Overview

A pristine example of German Pinot Gris from the Nahe valley. The Kreuznacher Forst vineyard delivers a wine of elegance and restraint, with classic pear and stone fruit aromatics balanced by characteristic Nahe minerality. Perfect as an aperitif or with lighter dishes.

👁️ Appearance

Brilliant
Medium
Pale straw with subtle copper-gold hints
Light to medium legs

The pale colour with hint of copper is characteristic of quality Grauer Burgunder, suggesting gentle skin contact. Crystal clear, inviting appearance.

👃 Nose

Restrained yet elegant on first approach. Ripe pear takes centre stage, with a delicate backdrop of white peach and honeyed quince. As the wine opens, subtle floral notes emerge—think meadow flowers and a whisper of acacia blossom. There's a characteristic mineral thread, almost like wet stone, that speaks to the Nahe terroir. Clean and pure with no oak influence.

Intensity: Medium  |  Condition: Clean, youthful

Le Nez du Vin Aroma References

Primary Aromas (fruit, floral)

Pear #10 Peach #20 Quince #11 Acacia #25 Apple #9

Secondary Aromas (winemaking)

Honey #27

Tertiary Aromas (ageing)

None — this wine is best enjoyed young

👅 Palate

Off-dry, with a honeyed impression from ripe fruit
Medium-plus, crisp and refreshing
Medium, with textural richness
Light-medium, well-balanced

Flavour profile: Williams pear, white peach, subtle spice, hint of almond, mineral finish

Finish: Medium length with clean, refreshing acidity and lingering stone fruit

📊 Structure

Acidity
3.5/5
Body
3/5
Alcohol
2.5/5
Sweetness
1.5/5

🌍 Terroir & Geology

The Nahe valley sits between the Mosel and Rheinhessen, enjoying a unique microclimate protected by the Hunsrück mountains. The Kreuznacher Forst vineyard benefits from diverse soils—a complex mix of volcanic porphyry, slate, and loess—giving wines both fruit intensity and mineral depth.

Geology

Volcanic porphyry, slate, loess over sandstone
Devonian-era volcanic rocks (approximately 400 million years old)

The volcanic porphyry provides excellent drainage and heat retention, contributing to aromatic intensity and body. Slate adds a characteristic mineral freshness, while loess contributes to the wine's textural richness. This geological diversity is what makes Nahe wines so distinctive—combining the elegance of Mosel with the fruit weight of Rheinhessen.

🌡️ Climate & Diurnal Range

Cool continental with some maritime influence
10-15°C during growing season
April to October, harvest typically October

The moderate diurnal temperature variation—cooler than more continental regions—allows for slow, even ripening while preserving natural acidity. Night-time cooling is crucial for retaining the delicate aromatics that define Nahe whites.

🏺 Vinification

Stainless steel fermentation with temperature control

Gentle whole-bunch pressing, cold settling overnight, fermentation at 15-17°C in stainless steel to preserve primary fruit character. Extended lees contact (3-4 months) for textural complexity. No malolactic fermentation to maintain bright acidity. No oak.

Philosophy: Minimal intervention, allowing terroir expression

🏛️ Winery & Winemaker

1869

Weingut Paul Anheuser is one of the Nahe's most respected estates, founded in 1869. The winery has remained family-owned through five generations. They were pioneers in recognizing the potential of Nahe for fine white wines, particularly from sites around Bad Kreuznach. The estate owns vineyards in several prestigious sites and practices sustainable viticulture.

Winemaker

Family-run with traditional German winemaking expertise

Philosophy

The Anheuser philosophy centres on expressing the remarkable diversity of Nahe terroir. They believe in minimal intervention winemaking—using the estate's 150+ years of knowledge to guide each vintage while letting the vineyards speak. Sustainability is paramount; they practice integrated pest management and organic approaches where possible.

Notable: The estate was historically connected to the Anheuser-Busch brewing family, though the winery remained independent.

ℹ️ Some details unconfirmed

🍽️ Food Pairings

Vegetarian & Vegan

Classic Pairings

🌡️ Serving Suggestions

8-10°C
No, serve chilled
White wine glass, tulip-shaped preferred