2021 Dr. Bürklin-Wolf Pechstein Grand Cru

Type of Wine | White |
---|---|
Country | Germany |
Region | |
Winery | |
Vintage | 2021 |
Grape | |
Content (Alc) | 0.75 ltr (12.5%) |
Drink window | 2026 - 2060 |
Low Stock
Only 4 left
Description
Bürklin-Wolf owns vineyards in the most famous "Lagen" of the Mittelhaardt. The company owns vineyards in different Layers (vineyards) in the towns of Forst, Deidesheim, Ruppertsberg and Wachenheim. Bürklin-Wolf uses the Burgundian model of the quality pyramid for the classification of dry Riesling wines. In this model, terroir, yield and degree of ripeness of the grapes are taken into account, so Grand Cru (GC) and Premier Cru are used. Bürklin-Wolf is a member of the VDP (Verband Deutscher Prädikats- und Qualitätsweingüter) but nevertheless does not use the term Grosses Gewächs.
The top location Forster covers 21 ha, the share of Bürklin-Wolf is 2.33 ha. The Pechstein owes its name and its extraordinary minerality to the high proportion of black, volcanic basalt. At the top of the forest is the Pechsteinkopf, where basalt was extracted until the late 1970s in 2 basalt quarries. Pechstein, Peksteen in Dutch, refers to the high content of volcanic rock in the soil. Fermentation of the Riesling grapes takes place spontaneously in large, old oak barrels, followed by a maturation of 15 months in the same barrels.
The 2021 Pechstein is a "classic" vintage, characterized by a cool spring and late budding and later flowering. The summer months brought abundant rain, which challenged the vineyard team. On the other hand, the periodic precipitation made the soils near the Mittelhaardt recover well from the water shortage after three consecutive dry years. The autumn was humid so favorable on the one hand but requires a lot of careful vineyard management to achieve the ideal ripeness of the grapes, but in the end we can say that to Dr. Bürklin-Wolf and this has paid off and healthy, ripe grapes with an expressive taste could be harvested in all their vineyards. The wine has a salty touch, lively acidity and great minerality, is complex and has a full body.
FACT: In the Tab: Appendix you will find the official fact sheet of this fine wine. We will automatically send it to you when you order this wine. The wine is in our conditioned Wine Warehouse and if you come to pick up the wine you will also receive a nice discount. We are almost next to the national road with plenty of parking space. Click here for address
ABOUT DR BÜRKLIN-WOLFF
For centuries, wine has been made at Dr. Burklin Wolf. On about 85 hectares, Riesling is mainly grown, which is among the best in the entire area. This family business located in the Pfalz is run by Bettina, the 22nd generation. She has implemented her grandfather's vision and started making biodynamic wine in 2001, both in the vineyard and in the cellar. The wines are therefore even more terroir driven and exciting! In the vineyard and wine cellar, hardly anything is done with the wines, pure and pronounced wines are the goal. The wines ferment and mature partly in stainless steel and partly in old wooden barrels. The wines are known for a distinct character, new style (modern) Riesling, with present acids and enormous length. READ MORE UNDER THE WINE HOUSE TAB
Specifications
Type of Wine | White |
---|---|
Country | Germany |
Region | Pfalz |
Icons | Icon Germany, Austria & Switzerland |
Winery | Dr. Bürklin Wolf |
Grape | Riesling |
Biological certified | No |
Natural wine | No |
Vegan | Yes |
Vintage | 2021 |
Drinking as of | 2026 |
Drinking till | 2060 |
Alcohol % | 12.5 |
Alcohol free/low | No |
Content | 0.75 ltr |
Oak aging | Yes |
Sparkling | No |
Dessert wine | No |
Closure | Cork |
Parker rating | 97 |
James Suckling rating | 97 |
Tasting Profiles | Aromatisch, Bloemig, Complex, Droog, Fris, Fruitig, Mineraal, Strak, Wit fruit |
Drink moments | Indruk maken, Lekker luxe |
Professional Reviews
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP 96+
Reviewed by:
Stephan Reinhardt
Release Price:
NA
Drink Date:
2029 - 2055
Bürklin's 2021 Pechstein G.C. shows a deep, pure, intense and saline, very complex and elegant bouquet of concentrated tropical fruit aromas intertwined with flinty, iodine and citrus aromas. Pure, very intense and concentrated on the palate, this is a full-bodied, rich, iodine-inflected and stimulatingly saline Pechstein with fine tannins and a long, dense, complex and tensioned finish. 12.5% stated alcohol. Tasted at the domaine in November 2022.
"2021 is a classic German vintage," says Steffen Brahner from Bürklin-Wolf, remembering the cool spring with its late flowering. The summer months brought abundant rainfalls, which challenged the vineyard crew, as even more attention and precision with the vegetation was required than in a dry year. "On the other hand, after three consecutive dry years, the periodic rainfall did the soils of the Mittelhaardt good to compensate for the pronounced water deficit." A similarly wet autumn forced them into meticulously early negative selection, and then they proceeded on a vineyard-by-vineyard basis in order to achieve the ideal ripeness of the grapes. This obviously paid off, and Bürklin was able to harvest healthy, ripe and flavorful grapes in all of the vineyards. When I tasted the premier and grands crus for the first time in August this year, I was still a but reserved since the wines were dense and compact but also still caged in their phenolic grip and firm structure. Some months later, in November, the wines had slightly opened up and showed promising qualities, especially in the Kirchenstück, which is again one of the most magnificent dry Rieslings produced in Germany that year. Unfortunately it is very rare and highly expensive, Pechstein and Ungeheuer are more highlights of the 2021 vintage. I also took the chance to taste the 2020 crus, which come from a much warmer and sunnier vintage represented in full-bodied, rich and concentrated but also structured and in the best cases—Pechstein and Kirchenstück again—also tensioned wines. As always when tasting the young and the previous vintage side by side, the sympathy is with the younger. Time will reveal which is the greater vintage: the lean and classic or the richer one.
Published: Dec 30, 2022
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James Suckling
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
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Wijnhuis
Bürklin-Wolf owns vineyards in the most renowned “Lagen” of the Mittelhaardt. The estate has plots in several Lagen (vineyards) located in Forst, Deidesheim, Ruppertsberg, and Wachenheim. For the classification of its dry Riesling wines, Bürklin-Wolf uses the Burgundian model of the quality pyramid.
This system takes terroir, yield, and grape ripeness into account, using Grand Cru (GC) and Premier Cru classifications. Bürklin-Wolf is a member of the VDP (Verband Deutscher Prädikats- und Qualitätsweingüter) but does not use the term Grosses Gewächs.
Dr. Bürklin-Wolf: Iconic Rieslings from the Pfalz
The story of Dr. Bürklin-Wolf began in 1597 and has since been closely intertwined with the history of German winemaking. The estate is still family-owned and today ranks among the very best in Germany. With 86 hectares of vineyards, it is one of the largest privately owned wine estates in the country. Since 1992, the winery has been led by Christian von Guradze and his wife Bettina Bürklin-von Guradze, heir to the family estate. Under their guidance, the winery has undergone an impressive quality evolution, notably as one of the first German producers to fully embrace biodynamic viticulture.
While the estate was once best known for its Auslese and Trockenbeerenauslesen, the focus has shifted to top-level dry white wines, vinified almost exclusively from Riesling.
The Origins of Dr. Bürklin-Wolf
The story of Dr. Bürklin-Wolf began in 1597 and has since been deeply rooted in the history of German winemaking. The estate remains in the hands of the Bürklin family, who are now among the elite of the German wine world. Under the leadership of Bettina Bürklin-von Guradze, the winery has seen a remarkable increase in quality, including becoming one of the first German estates to transition entirely to biodynamic farming.
The winery, with 86 hectares of vineyards, is one of the largest privately owned estates in Germany and has been managed since 1992 by Christian von Guradze together with his wife, the heir to the family winery. While once known primarily for its Auslese and Trockenbeerenauslesen, the emphasis of production has shifted toward dry white wines, predominantly made from Riesling.
Dr. Bürklin-Wolf: A Biodynamic Pioneer
Dr. Bürklin-Wolf was the first German winery to fully commit to the biodynamic principles of Demeter in 2005. This approach, which centers on the harmony between people, nature, and wine, results in healthy vineyards and grapes of exceptional quality. The wines are vibrant, pure, and expressive of their origin.
The Power of Riesling and Terroir
Dr. Bürklin-Wolf focuses exclusively on Riesling, the ideal grape to showcase the unique character of the Pfalz. The vineyards are classified into ‘Grosse Lagen’ (Grand Cru) and ‘Erste Lagen’ (Premier Cru), following the Burgundian model. Renowned vineyard sites such as Pechstein, Kirchenstück, and Gaisböhl produce Rieslings that can age effortlessly for decades.
Characteristics of Dr. Bürklin-Wolf Rieslings
- Dry and mineral-driven: most wines are trocken (dry), with an elegant structure.
- Complex and layered: subtle aromas of citrus, stone fruit, flowers, and wet stone.
- Aging potential: top wines develop beautifully over time in the bottle.
From the fresh, accessible entry-level Rieslings to the impressive Grosse Gewächse: every Dr. Bürklin-Wolf wine is a model of precision and purity. Whether you choose the elegant Ruppertsberger Hoheburg Erste Lage or the monumental Forster Kirchenstück G.C., you always taste the unique terroir of the Pfalz.
Buy Dr. Bürklin-Wolf Wines at Grandcruwijnen
At Grandcruwijnen, you'll find a wide selection of Dr. Bürklin-Wolf wines, imported directly from Germany. As a specialist in high-quality German Rieslings, we offer a carefully curated range, from crisp entry-level wines to complex premium bottles with excellent aging potential.
Sommelier’s Advice
Serve a dry Bürklin-Wolf Riesling with oysters, ceviche, or sushi. The more powerful GG wines pair beautifully with veal, rich fish dishes, or spicy Asian cuisine. For optimal expression, serve the wine between 8 and 10°C.
Bürklin-Wolf owns vineyards in the most famous "Lagen" of the Mittelhaardt. The company owns vineyards in different Layers (vineyards) in the towns of Forst, Deidesheim, Ruppertsberg and Wachenheim. Bürklin-Wolf uses the Burgundian model of the quality pyramid for the classification of dry Riesling wines. In this model, terroir, yield and degree of ripeness of the grapes are taken into account, so Grand Cru (GC) and Premier Cru are used. Bürklin-Wolf is a member of the VDP (Verband Deutscher Prädikats- und Qualitätsweingüter) but nevertheless does not use the term Grosses Gewächs.
The top location Forster covers 21 ha, the share of Bürklin-Wolf is 2.33 ha. The Pechstein owes its name and its extraordinary minerality to the high proportion of black, volcanic basalt. At the top of the forest is the Pechsteinkopf, where basalt was extracted until the late 1970s in 2 basalt quarries. Pechstein, Peksteen in Dutch, refers to the high content of volcanic rock in the soil. Fermentation of the Riesling grapes takes place spontaneously in large, old oak barrels, followed by a maturation of 15 months in the same barrels.
The 2021 Pechstein is a "classic" vintage, characterized by a cool spring and late budding and later flowering. The summer months brought abundant rain, which challenged the vineyard team. On the other hand, the periodic precipitation made the soils near the Mittelhaardt recover well from the water shortage after three consecutive dry years. The autumn was humid so favorable on the one hand but requires a lot of careful vineyard management to achieve the ideal ripeness of the grapes, but in the end we can say that to Dr. Bürklin-Wolf and this has paid off and healthy, ripe grapes with an expressive taste could be harvested in all their vineyards. The wine has a salty touch, lively acidity and great minerality, is complex and has a full body.
FACT: In the Tab: Appendix you will find the official fact sheet of this fine wine. We will automatically send it to you when you order this wine. The wine is in our conditioned Wine Warehouse and if you come to pick up the wine you will also receive a nice discount. We are almost next to the national road with plenty of parking space. Click here for address
ABOUT DR BÜRKLIN-WOLFF
For centuries, wine has been made at Dr. Burklin Wolf. On about 85 hectares, Riesling is mainly grown, which is among the best in the entire area. This family business located in the Pfalz is run by Bettina, the 22nd generation. She has implemented her grandfather's vision and started making biodynamic wine in 2001, both in the vineyard and in the cellar. The wines are therefore even more terroir driven and exciting! In the vineyard and wine cellar, hardly anything is done with the wines, pure and pronounced wines are the goal. The wines ferment and mature partly in stainless steel and partly in old wooden barrels. The wines are known for a distinct character, new style (modern) Riesling, with present acids and enormous length. READ MORE UNDER THE WINE HOUSE TAB
Type of Wine | White |
---|---|
Country | Germany |
Region | Pfalz |
Icons | Icon Germany, Austria & Switzerland |
Winery | Dr. Bürklin Wolf |
Grape | Riesling |
Biological certified | No |
Natural wine | No |
Vegan | Yes |
Vintage | 2021 |
Drinking as of | 2026 |
Drinking till | 2060 |
Alcohol % | 12.5 |
Alcohol free/low | No |
Content | 0.75 ltr |
Oak aging | Yes |
Sparkling | No |
Dessert wine | No |
Closure | Cork |
Parker rating | 97 |
James Suckling rating | 97 |
Tasting Profiles | Aromatisch, Bloemig, Complex, Droog, Fris, Fruitig, Mineraal, Strak, Wit fruit |
Drink moments | Indruk maken, Lekker luxe |
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP 96+
Reviewed by:
Stephan Reinhardt
Release Price:
NA
Drink Date:
2029 - 2055
Bürklin's 2021 Pechstein G.C. shows a deep, pure, intense and saline, very complex and elegant bouquet of concentrated tropical fruit aromas intertwined with flinty, iodine and citrus aromas. Pure, very intense and concentrated on the palate, this is a full-bodied, rich, iodine-inflected and stimulatingly saline Pechstein with fine tannins and a long, dense, complex and tensioned finish. 12.5% stated alcohol. Tasted at the domaine in November 2022.
"2021 is a classic German vintage," says Steffen Brahner from Bürklin-Wolf, remembering the cool spring with its late flowering. The summer months brought abundant rainfalls, which challenged the vineyard crew, as even more attention and precision with the vegetation was required than in a dry year. "On the other hand, after three consecutive dry years, the periodic rainfall did the soils of the Mittelhaardt good to compensate for the pronounced water deficit." A similarly wet autumn forced them into meticulously early negative selection, and then they proceeded on a vineyard-by-vineyard basis in order to achieve the ideal ripeness of the grapes. This obviously paid off, and Bürklin was able to harvest healthy, ripe and flavorful grapes in all of the vineyards. When I tasted the premier and grands crus for the first time in August this year, I was still a but reserved since the wines were dense and compact but also still caged in their phenolic grip and firm structure. Some months later, in November, the wines had slightly opened up and showed promising qualities, especially in the Kirchenstück, which is again one of the most magnificent dry Rieslings produced in Germany that year. Unfortunately it is very rare and highly expensive, Pechstein and Ungeheuer are more highlights of the 2021 vintage. I also took the chance to taste the 2020 crus, which come from a much warmer and sunnier vintage represented in full-bodied, rich and concentrated but also structured and in the best cases—Pechstein and Kirchenstück again—also tensioned wines. As always when tasting the young and the previous vintage side by side, the sympathy is with the younger. Time will reveal which is the greater vintage: the lean and classic or the richer one.
Published: Dec 30, 2022
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
James Suckling
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Exclusive Content
Sign in to unlock professional wine reviews from world-renowned critics
Bürklin-Wolf owns vineyards in the most renowned “Lagen” of the Mittelhaardt. The estate has plots in several Lagen (vineyards) located in Forst, Deidesheim, Ruppertsberg, and Wachenheim. For the classification of its dry Riesling wines, Bürklin-Wolf uses the Burgundian model of the quality pyramid.
This system takes terroir, yield, and grape ripeness into account, using Grand Cru (GC) and Premier Cru classifications. Bürklin-Wolf is a member of the VDP (Verband Deutscher Prädikats- und Qualitätsweingüter) but does not use the term Grosses Gewächs.
Dr. Bürklin-Wolf: Iconic Rieslings from the Pfalz
The story of Dr. Bürklin-Wolf began in 1597 and has since been closely intertwined with the history of German winemaking. The estate is still family-owned and today ranks among the very best in Germany. With 86 hectares of vineyards, it is one of the largest privately owned wine estates in the country. Since 1992, the winery has been led by Christian von Guradze and his wife Bettina Bürklin-von Guradze, heir to the family estate. Under their guidance, the winery has undergone an impressive quality evolution, notably as one of the first German producers to fully embrace biodynamic viticulture.
While the estate was once best known for its Auslese and Trockenbeerenauslesen, the focus has shifted to top-level dry white wines, vinified almost exclusively from Riesling.
The Origins of Dr. Bürklin-Wolf
The story of Dr. Bürklin-Wolf began in 1597 and has since been deeply rooted in the history of German winemaking. The estate remains in the hands of the Bürklin family, who are now among the elite of the German wine world. Under the leadership of Bettina Bürklin-von Guradze, the winery has seen a remarkable increase in quality, including becoming one of the first German estates to transition entirely to biodynamic farming.
The winery, with 86 hectares of vineyards, is one of the largest privately owned estates in Germany and has been managed since 1992 by Christian von Guradze together with his wife, the heir to the family winery. While once known primarily for its Auslese and Trockenbeerenauslesen, the emphasis of production has shifted toward dry white wines, predominantly made from Riesling.
Dr. Bürklin-Wolf: A Biodynamic Pioneer
Dr. Bürklin-Wolf was the first German winery to fully commit to the biodynamic principles of Demeter in 2005. This approach, which centers on the harmony between people, nature, and wine, results in healthy vineyards and grapes of exceptional quality. The wines are vibrant, pure, and expressive of their origin.
The Power of Riesling and Terroir
Dr. Bürklin-Wolf focuses exclusively on Riesling, the ideal grape to showcase the unique character of the Pfalz. The vineyards are classified into ‘Grosse Lagen’ (Grand Cru) and ‘Erste Lagen’ (Premier Cru), following the Burgundian model. Renowned vineyard sites such as Pechstein, Kirchenstück, and Gaisböhl produce Rieslings that can age effortlessly for decades.
Characteristics of Dr. Bürklin-Wolf Rieslings
- Dry and mineral-driven: most wines are trocken (dry), with an elegant structure.
- Complex and layered: subtle aromas of citrus, stone fruit, flowers, and wet stone.
- Aging potential: top wines develop beautifully over time in the bottle.
From the fresh, accessible entry-level Rieslings to the impressive Grosse Gewächse: every Dr. Bürklin-Wolf wine is a model of precision and purity. Whether you choose the elegant Ruppertsberger Hoheburg Erste Lage or the monumental Forster Kirchenstück G.C., you always taste the unique terroir of the Pfalz.
Buy Dr. Bürklin-Wolf Wines at Grandcruwijnen
At Grandcruwijnen, you'll find a wide selection of Dr. Bürklin-Wolf wines, imported directly from Germany. As a specialist in high-quality German Rieslings, we offer a carefully curated range, from crisp entry-level wines to complex premium bottles with excellent aging potential.
Sommelier’s Advice
Serve a dry Bürklin-Wolf Riesling with oysters, ceviche, or sushi. The more powerful GG wines pair beautifully with veal, rich fish dishes, or spicy Asian cuisine. For optimal expression, serve the wine between 8 and 10°C.