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Showing posts from February 13, 2015

Koheler Ruphrecht Saumagen Grand Cru

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Koheler Ruphrecht in the town of Kallstadt in the Mittlehardt of Pfalz; one of the oldest producer of the region. In the vineyard, no irrigation, fertilizers or herbicides are ever used, and systemic treatments against pests or fungal illness are kept to a minimum. In the cellar, long spontaneous fermentations occur in large, old German oak barrels with extended lees contact. Nothing is ever adde d or subtracted to the wine, and sulfur is only added moderately after alcoholic fermentation and before bottling. The Grand Cru of the K.R. Is Saumagen, which translates to pig's stomach, is named after the shape of the vineyard and also happens to be the region's most famous local dish. The soils here are heavy in chalky marl and full of tiny individual limestones that reflect heat onto the grapes. Koehler-Ruphrecht's 4h are on the original South-East facing slope. A small part of the Saumagen is designated as Terra Rossa, with the limestone taking a red hue due to a heavy