Winemaker Notes
Holdings total 110 hectares (275 acres) in the Mittelhardt - the quality core of the world-renowned Pfalz region, including most of the top sites in Wachenheim, Forst, Deidsheim and Ruppertsberg. Ruppertsberg's Gaisbohl and Wachenheim's Rechbachel are owned by Dr. Burklin-Wolf in their entirety.
Impressive enough for the significance of its tradition and holdings, Dr. Burklin-Wolf also stands for the future: Following more than a decade in which the entire of Germany had lost its way in international markets, 1990 witnessed an infusion of fresh energy and creativity with the passing on of estate management to Bettina Burklin and her husband, Christian von Guradze.
Delving minutely into their glorious heritage, Bettina and Christian saw that the basis for a return to the world's dinner table was at hand. in the vineyards which surrounded them. Burklin wines from Riesling's Golden Era of the late 19th and early 20th centuries preserved in the estate cellars pointed the way: Rich textured, long lived, exquisite expressions of highly definitive terroirs, fermented naturally dry in traditional oak cooperage.
This sunny and relatively dry region served for many years as a German tourist mecca and was associated with low cost, cheerful wines. But since the 1980s, it has gained a reputation as one of Germany’s more innovative regions, which has led to increased international demand.
With hundreds of white grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended white wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used in white wine blends, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a variety that creates a soft and full-bodied white wine blend, like Chardonnay, would do well combined with one that is more fragrant and naturally high in acidity. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.