Silvaner Sundays – Ehrlenbach Silvaner

For the first article in this new series I chose a slightly unconventional wine region for Silvaner. This one comes from the Taubertal, but from the part that belongs to Baden. I will get into that later, but Florian and Philipp Ehrlenbach’s wines won me over completely. Let me tell you the Silvaner is no exception!

First, I quick summary of the Taubertal wine (sub) region. It was once a renown area for the production of wine. Yet, today it is split in three parts: the eastern area belongs to Franconia, the middle part to Wuerttemberg and the most western part to Baden. The Ehrlenbach winery is located in the latter. Florian and his brother Philipp now grow wine on 7 ha while both working other full-time jobs.

Uncomplicated Silvaner

The reason why Florian decided to plant Silvaner as the first vines is that the variety is robust and as forgiving. Nevertheless, Florian also had experiences with this variety at his job at the Fuerst and as an intern at the Horst Sauer vinery. They harvest the grapes in 13 kg boxes, stomp them per foot, press them as whole clusters, as well as partially add sediment to the barrels for fermentation. The wine spends a whole year on the yeast and afterwards some more time in stainless steel on the lees. Florian bottles the wine without filtration or fining and with a minimal amount of sulphur.

Typical, but mineral

The Reichholzheimer Silvaner opens with fruity aromas. I’m not talking about a fruit bomb, just enough to let you know that you’re sipping a Silvaner. Next, you will detect slightly reductive notes combined with some minerality. I was reminded of chalk and wet stones. After a little aeration, red and overripe apples emerge. Overall, I really enjoyed the wine and it offers excellent value for money! Just as a quick side note, I think a regular white wine glass works best with this wine.