# Einstern Pinot Noir (2020)

- **Producer:** Weingut Markus Molitor
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Mosel, Germany
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €28
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackcurrant, redcurrant, black cherry, plum, red cherry, vanilla, toasted bread, earth, wet stones

## About this wine

The Markus Molitor Einstern Pinot Noir 2020 is a red wine from Germany's Mosel region, produced by Weingut Markus Molitor. The winery is a family estate with a long history, led by Markus Molitor, who emphasizes site-specific character and traditional winemaking. The Mosel's steep, slate-rich vineyards, typically known for white wines, provide a unique terroir for this Pinot Noir. The 2020 vintage was warm and dry, contributing to concentrated fruit in the grapes. The 'Einstern' designation typically indicates wines sourced from younger vines in prime vineyard locations.

## Interesting facts

- Mosel is more famous for white wines, making this Pinot Noir a regional standout.
- Vineyards can reach gradients of up to 80%, requiring meticulous manual labor.
- The 'Einstern' label often signifies wines from younger vines in top sites.
- The 2020 vintage experienced heat waves, concentrating the fruit.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium-plus body and fine, spicy tannins complement protein-rich dishes. Its juicy acidity cuts through the richness of meats and sauces, while the subtle herbal and earthy notes can echo flavors in mushroom or herb-infused dishes. The fruit profile pairs well with berry-based sauces.

## Wine making process

The Markus Molitor Einstern Pinot Noir 2020 undergoes spontaneous fermentation on the skins for about 3.5 weeks, utilizing ambient yeasts. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, often with maturation on fine lees. The grapes are sourced from various plots, typically from younger vines in prime locations within the Mosel region. The 2020 vintage was warm and dry, leading to small berries with thick skins and concentrated fruit. Markus Molitor's approach is rooted in traditional winemaking, emphasizing site-specific character and minimal intervention.