ZP Plum Port-style

ZP Plum in Port-Style – Sweet Wine from Manufaktur Jörg Geiger

The Manufaktur Jörg Geiger ZP Plum in Port-Style is a sweet wine matured in wooden barrels, made from plums of the Swabian Alb. It is a partially fermented plum wine fortified with plum brandy. The ZP's aroma resembles an old port wine, which is why some call it plum port. In its high-quality gift packaging, the Geiger ZP makes an elegant gift for port wine enthusiasts and fruit brandy drinkers.

How the Geiger ZP is Made

The uncrushed plums ferment in open mash tubs at cool temperatures and are plunged daily. To preserve the natural sweetness and intense fruitiness, Jörg Geiger stops the fermentation with high-proof pure plum brandy, resulting in an alcohol content of around 20%.

After pressing, it undergoes over 18 months of storage in used cognac barrels, which allow the Jörg Geiger ZP to mature and at the same time impart a hint of chocolate, without the wood becoming dominantly prominent. Through this oxidative maturation, the Jörg Geiger ZP loses around 2% vol. alcohol and is finally bottled with 18% vol. alcohol.

The old "Hauszwetschge" plum variety has been widespread in Germany since the 17th century. Plum pits corresponding to those of today's "Hauszwetschge" were found in this region in a well dating from the 2nd-3rd century AD.* The pleasantly spicy aroma of this late-ripening variety remains unrivaled even today. The opulent distillate itself always impresses with power and persistence, so it was inevitable to apply the port wine process to the "Hauszwetschge" as well.

In terms of color, the ZP shows a dense ruby red extending to the rim. Its opulent fragrance of fully ripe plums with marmalade-like undertones and creamy, soft dried fruit; a hint of vanilla and subtle smoky aroma. On the palate, a very dense opening of mature plums paired with notes of black blackberry; good harmony between fruit, sweetness, and supporting alcohol; in the medium-long finish, one perceives a youthful elegance that promises much potential.

Manufaktur Jörg Geiger – Sweet Wines and Brandies from Fruit

Manufaktur Jörg Geiger is located in the small community of Schlat, eight kilometers southeast of Göppingen, in the heart of the Swabian Alb. This unique cultural landscape, characterized by mountainous forests, juniper heaths, and traditional orchards with some fruit trees over 100 years old, is the home of Jörg Geiger and his manufactory.

The youthful-looking Jörg Geiger grew up in his parents' gastronomy business, the over 300-year-old Gasthof Lamm. In addition to the successful restaurant, his father operated a small distillery. There he produced single-variety distillates, such as the Stuttgart Gaishirtle – a true rarity from an old pear variety. The passion for distilling and the preservation of old varieties was passed from father to son. Since 1994, Jörg Geiger has continued to run the Gasthof and the fruit distilling. Although he has become known for his sparkling wine from the Champagne Bratbirne and his non-alcoholic Prisecco, his fruit brandies should also be noted. Like these special sweet wines made from fruit from Swabian traditional orchards, self-distilled fruit brandies, and plenty of rest and time to mature in old wooden barrels.