At a glance

Producer

Weingut Wasenhaus

Region

Pfalz, Germany

Grape variety

Spätburgunder

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$25-$35

Tasting profile

Bright cherry, raspberry notes with subtle earthy undertones and light spice.

Evolution: Fruit will integrate with developing complexity of forest floor, mushroom, and leather notes as it ages.

At peak: Balanced, elegant with layered flavors and fine tannins offering a silky finish.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high, typical of German Spätburgunder

Tannins

Medium, fine-grained

Alcohol

13.0%-13.5%

Aging potential

7-9 years from vintage, depending on storage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2026 to 2038

Optimal window

2024 to 2041

Current status

Approaching early drinkability with potential for medium-term aging

Current condition

Young, with fresh red fruit and moderate tannin structure

The 2021 vintage in Pfalz offers ripe fruit and balanced acidity supporting medium-term development. The wine's moderate tannin and acidity profile allows it to evolve gracefully over 7-9 years, making the 2026-2029 period optimal.

Food pairing

Roast duck, grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, charcuterie, and medium-firm cheese such as Gruyère.

Serving

Serving temperature

14-16°C / 57-61°F

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — To soften tannins and open the delicate aromas of the Spätburgunder.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Moderate use of sustainable farming practices with limited chemical intervention; energy use minimized via modern winery equipment; water conservation measures in place in vineyard management

While Weingut Wasenhaus does not certify organic or biodynamic, their sustainability efforts include integrated pest management, soil conservation, and energy-efficient production. Their moderate carbon footprint benefits from regional sales limiting long-distance transport emissions.