Meyer-Näkel
Within the small wine region of Ahr, in the western part of Germany, sisters Dörte and Meik Näkel of Weingut Meyer-Näkel produce exceptional Pinot Noir that reflects the elegant Burgundian model while maintaining its own distinct identity. This family-run winery was officially founded in 1950, and today it is up to Dörte and Meik, the fourth generation of winemakers in the family, to nurture what their ancestors built. The Ahr territory represents one of the most suitable areas for red wine production and is characterized by the deep gorges carved by the river of the same name. Here, the very steep hills had already been identified by the Romans as highly suitable for viticulture, thanks also to the favorable solar radiation of the slopes that makes this territory particularly suitable for black grape varieties.
Most of the vineyards of Meyer-Näkel, spread over 15 hectares, are located within the municipality of Dernau, with smaller percentages scattered among the locations of Neuenahr, Ahrweiler and Walporzheim. The flagship variety of the estate is Pinot Noir, locally called Spätburgunder, accompanied by Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, and the indispensable Riesling Renano. Completing the varietal platform is Frühburgunder, also known as Pinot Noir Précoce, named so because it derives from a mutation of Pinot Noir characterized by a ripening period that is 2-3 weeks earlier. The plants are cultivated sustainably on steep soils rich in slate and grovacca, rocks capable of absorbing significant amounts of heat throughout the day. The yields per hectare are kept low, and the grapes are hand-harvested and processed gently. For vinification, stainless steel tanks and new or used oak barriques are used, with fermentations occurring spontaneously thanks to only indigenous yeasts.
A characteristic of the Pinot Noir from Weingut Meyer-Näkel is the mineral vein and juicy fruit, noble qualities that showcase the full enological potential of the Ahr territory, a prominent area for German red wine.
Within the small wine region of Ahr, in the western part of Germany, sisters Dörte and Meik Näkel of Weingut Meyer-Näkel produce exceptional Pinot Noir that reflects the elegant Burgundian model while maintaining its own distinct identity. This family-run winery was officially founded in 1950, and today it is up to Dörte and Meik, the fourth generation of winemakers in the family, to nurture what their ancestors built. The Ahr territory represents one of the most suitable areas for red wine production and is characterized by the deep gorges carved by the river of the same name. Here, the very steep hills had already been identified by the Romans as highly suitable for viticulture, thanks also to the favorable solar radiation of the slopes that makes this territory particularly suitable for black grape varieties.
Most of the vineyards of Meyer-Näkel, spread over 15 hectares, are located within the municipality of Dernau, with smaller percentages scattered among the locations of Neuenahr, Ahrweiler and Walporzheim. The flagship variety of the estate is Pinot Noir, locally called Spätburgunder, accompanied by Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, and the indispensable Riesling Renano. Completing the varietal platform is Frühburgunder, also known as Pinot Noir Précoce, named so because it derives from a mutation of Pinot Noir characterized by a ripening period that is 2-3 weeks earlier. The plants are cultivated sustainably on steep soils rich in slate and grovacca, rocks capable of absorbing significant amounts of heat throughout the day. The yields per hectare are kept low, and the grapes are hand-harvested and processed gently. For vinification, stainless steel tanks and new or used oak barriques are used, with fermentations occurring spontaneously thanks to only indigenous yeasts.
A characteristic of the Pinot Noir from Weingut Meyer-Näkel is the mineral vein and juicy fruit, noble qualities that showcase the full enological potential of the Ahr territory, a prominent area for German red wine.
