# Herrenstück Chardonnay (2024)

- **Producer:** Weingut Holger Koch
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Baden, Germany
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–11 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** yellow apple, ripe pear, subtle exotic fruit, light creaminess

## About this wine

The Herrenstück Chardonnay from Weingut Holger Koch is a white wine from the 2024 vintage, hailing from the Baden region of Germany, specifically the Kaiserstuhl sub-region. The 'Herrenstück' designation refers to a specific vineyard site known for producing wines with enhanced texture and minerality. Holger and Gabrielle Koch are dedicated to the 'Burgunder' (Pinot) family of grapes, employing a philosophy that blends traditional winemaking with modern, low-intervention methods to achieve clarity, energy, and finesse. The Herrenstück vineyard's unique terroir, characterized by its higher elevation and soil of loess, loam, and volcanic rock, contributes to the wine's distinctive profile.

## Interesting facts

- Herrenstück wines are a step up from the estate's Kaiserstuhl-level bottlings.
- The vineyard is terraced at a higher elevation than other sites.
- The name 'Herrenstück' translates to 'Lord's Piece' or 'Master's Plot'.
- Holger Koch exclusively focuses on Pinot varieties (Noir, Gris, Blanc).

## Food pairing

The wine's bright acidity and subtle minerality cut through richer dishes, while its delicate fruit notes complement lighter proteins and creamy textures. It has the structure to stand up to moderate richness without overpowering.

## Wine making process

The Herrenstück Chardonnay is crafted using a low-intervention approach. Grapes are manually harvested from the Herrenstück vineyard, known for its higher elevation and unique soil composition. The wine undergoes spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts, followed by maturation in large, traditional wooden casks to preserve its purity. A significant portion is bottled unfiltered or with minimal filtration, reflecting the producer's commitment to expressing the natural character of the wine and its origin.