Pfalz

Pinot Meunier as a still red wine is something of a rarity – this grape is typically blended into Champagne rather than bottled on its own. That's what makes Darting's version such a delightful discovery. The Pfalz region of Germany, with its warmer climate, allows this early-ripening variety to develop beautiful flavor while maintaining the characteristic brightness that makes it so appealing. The Darting family has been growing grapes since the 18th century, but only began estate bottling in the 1970s. Their focus on traditional varieties and precise winemaking has earned them a reputation for exceptional quality-to-price ratio. This Pinot Meunier offers the perfect middle ground between the structure of Pinot Noir and the juicy approachability of Gamay – light enough for summer sipping (especially with a slight chill) but with enough character for year-round enjoyment. For the curious wine drinker looking to explore beyond the usual suspects, this bottle delivers both novelty and genuine drinking pleasure.

German Pinot Noir (or Spätburgunder, if you're trying to impress your friends) makes for some seriously elegant rosé, and Gunther Schlink's version is a perfect example. This isn't your poolside glug-glug pink wine – though it certainly wouldn't be out of place there – it's a rosé with genuine character and finesse. Coming from Germany's Pfalz region, this wine benefits from the cool climate that allows Pinot Noir to develop beautiful aromatics while maintaining that crucial backbone of acidity. It's pale in color but certainly not in flavor. The precision and balance here are remarkable, making this a year-round rosé that transcends the 'summer water' stereotype. Perfect for those who claim they 'don't like rosé' – this bottle has changed many a mind about pink wine's serious credentials.

Weingut Odinstal sits at elevations up to 400 meters in the Pfalz region, where volcanic basalt soils and biodynamic farming create wines of exceptional character and purity. Their Weissburgunder (German for Pinot Blanc) showcases just how profound this often-overlooked grape can be in the right hands. What makes this wine special is its combination of richness and precision – there's a weight and texture that comes from low yields and meticulous winemaking, balanced by a crystalline mineral structure that reflects the unique volcanic terroir. Odinstal's commitment to biodynamic principles means they farm in harmony with nature's rhythms, creating wines that feel alive and energetic in the glass. This is Pinot Blanc operating on a completely different level from the simple, pleasant versions often encountered – a white wine with the complexity and aging potential of fine Burgundy, but with a distinctive German accent.

When most people think of German wine, they think of Riesling – but the country's Pinot Noirs (known locally as Spätburgunder) deserve serious attention too. Prost's Pfalz Pinot showcases why Germany is increasingly recognized as a source of elegant, balanced reds that offer tremendous value compared to their Burgundian cousins. The Pfalz region is one of Germany's warmest wine areas, allowing Pinot Noir to achieve full ripeness while maintaining the freshness and mineral character that makes German wines so distinctive. The result is a red that bridges Old World elegance and New World fruit expression – vibrant and accessible but with enough complexity to keep things interesting. It's perfect for Pinot lovers looking to explore beyond the usual suspects of Burgundy, Oregon, and California. And at this price point, it delivers remarkable quality for everyday drinking.