Location and topography
The Pfarrwingert lies directly behind Dernau in the Ahr. The individual vineyard site forms part of the large site of Klosterberg. The convex slope covers around 13.8 hectares and is oriented towards the south-east, south and south-west. The elevation ranges from around 125 to 220 metres above sea level, the slope gradient from 15 to 60 per cent; the upper section is very steep.
Soils and microclimate
The soils consist of granular greywacke, weathered slate, clay slate and loam. The local greywacke is described as a granular clastic sediment, with slate fragments embedded in a sandstone-like structure. The surrounding terrain protects the lower areas from cold winds, while the soils warm up slightly and contribute to a warm vineyard microclimate.
Classification and cultivation
The name refers to the former ownership by the Catholic parish church of Dernau, which still owns individual parcels. For the Pfarrwingert, Pinot Noir and Frühburgunder are listed as classified grape varieties. H.J. Kreuzberg and Meyer-Näkel cultivate plots in the site. In the VDP, the Pfarrwingert is classified as VDP.GROSSE LAGE.
Documented Pinot Noir
Meyer-Näkel describes the Pfarrwingert Pinot Noir as perfumed, with restrained fruit, fine spice and pronounced minerality; the documented vintage 2023 is dry. For this wine, old vines, sustainable work in the vineyard, yield reduction and careful hand-harvesting at about 30 hectolitres per hectare are specified. Fermentation takes place spontaneously, and the maceration time is about 20 days. The wine then matures for 18 months on fine lees in barrique, including 30 per cent in new wood, followed by six months of maturation in bottle and an unfiltered bottling.
