Rudolf Fürst - Chardonnay 'R' 2022

The cultivation and vinification of white Burgundian varieties according to the Burgundy model is of particular importance to Weingut Rudolf Fürst. The grapes are gently crushed with the feet. The wines ferment in small oak barrels and mature on the gross lees for a minimum of 16 months before bottling. The Weisser Burgunder “R” comes from the easternmost plot of the Bürgstädter Berg and is the winery’s top Pinot Blanc. The Chardonnay R and the Astheimer Chardonnay Village Wines come from the “grand cru” vineyard Karthäuser and grow on meagre, white shell limestone.

Chardonnay 'R'  is a declassified wine from the Grossen Gewächs site Astheimer Karthaüser because Chardonnay is not classified as a grape variety for GG in Franken.

Size: 0.5 ha (1.24 ac). Vine Age: Planted in 1999. Terroir: In the center of Franken on the Main River, at 250 m above sea level, on thin, stony white limestone and gravel soil. Viticulture: Organic (not certified). Vinification: Gently crushed before pressing, ambient yeast fermentation and aging for 12 months in 228 and 500 L barrels, full malolactic conversion, aged for an additional 4 months in stainless steel tanks, no fining, lightly filtered when necessary.

"Here is conclusive proof that certain vineyard sites in Germany can play in the global big leagues for Chardonnay. Enormously concentrated and minerally, this is amazingly focused and pristine on the very compact medium-bodied palate. So much energy at the finish. This surely has decades of aging potential ahead of it. From the Karthäuser GG site, which has a very stony limestone soil. Drink or hold." - 98 Points, James Suckling

"From 25-year-old vines, the 2022 Chardonnay >R< is from the Astheimer Karthäuser and opens with deep, intense and concentrated, spicy-mineral and iodine notes with seed and herbal notes. It's fascinating in all its depth and complexity! Pure, fresh and saline on the palate, this is a frisky and playful, very elegant and stimulating Chardonnay with lemon bitters on the fresh and ethereal, intense and long yet not powerful finish. This is a classic Chardonnay from low-yielding genetics with very small berries and grapes. Due to a virus, yields are often around 22 hectoliters per hectare. 12.5% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted at the domaine in April 2024 just two days after bottling." - 96 Points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Producer: Rudolf Fürst

Country: Germany

Region: Franken

Varietal: Chardonnay

Appellation: Franken

Vintage: 2022

Size: 750ml