# Grauburgunder (2024)

- **Producer:** III Freunde
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Grauburgunder
- **Region:** Rheinhessen, Germany
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €10
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** pear, apple, peach, lemon, melon, yeast

## About this wine

III Freunde (Three Friends) was founded by German television personality Joko Winterscheidt, actor Matthias Schweighöfer, and professional winemaker Juliane Eller. Based in Rheinhessen, Germany's largest wine-growing region, the estate focuses on creating accessible, high-quality, and modern wines designed to bring people together. This Grauburgunder represents their vision of an easy-drinking yet characterful estate wine that showcases the classic loess and clay soils of the region.

## Interesting facts

- Co-founded by German TV host Joko Winterscheidt and actor Matthias Schweighöfer alongside winemaker Juliane Eller.
- The winery's philosophy is centered on creating uncomplicated, high-quality wines meant for sharing with friends.
- All III Freunde wines are produced with a strong commitment to modern, vegan-friendly winemaking practices.

## Food pairing

This dry Grauburgunder features balanced acidity and a medium body, making it incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with light proteins like poultry and freshwater fish, as well as creamy vegetarian dishes where its fresh profile cuts through the richness without overpowering the food.

## Wine making process

The grapes are harvested from selected vineyards in Rheinhessen. After gentle pressing, the must undergoes temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve the fresh, primary fruit characteristics of the Grauburgunder grape. The wine is aged on its fine lees for a short period to add subtle texture and roundness before being filtered and bottled early to maintain its vibrant, youthful energy.