Hand in Hand Pinot Gris – Klumpp Näkel
The Hand in Hand Pinot Gris 2023 by winemakers Maike Näkel and Markus Klumpp is just as popular as its older brother, the Hand in Hand Pinot Noir. Since 2011, the winemaker couple Meike Näkel (Ahr) and Markus Klumpp (Baden) have also been making a Pinot Gris together. On the nose, this wine shows ripe yellow fruits like pears and apples, complemented by hints of almond and vanilla. On the palate, the harmonious Pinot Gris displays both a certain creaminess and a lively acidity.
The 25-30 year old vines for Meike and Markus' Hand in Hand Pinot Gris grow on Baden loam and loess soils with a high lime content, where rich, aromatic white wines are produced.
Winemaking – Hand in Hand
To harvest ripe grapes in autumn, optimal sun exposure is required. Meike and Markus ensure this early on by defoliating the grape zone on both sides. Later, yield reduction is achieved by splitting the bunches. After selective hand-picking of the grapes, a quarter of the grapes are fermented in barriques, while the rest undergo temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Five months of aging on the lees with regular bâtonnage, i.e., stirring the yeast sediment, give the Pinot Gris fullness and a wonderful creaminess.
Pinot Gris – a wine and its values
- 12.5% vol. Alcohol
- 6.3 g/l Acidity
- 6.7 g/l Residual sugar