2018 was Sophie Christmann’s second vintage fully in charge of the Pinot Noir. Sophie, who started working here three years ago, represents the 8th generation. Based on her experience in France and Baden, Germany, Sophie introduced some winemaking changes including larger fermentation tanks and a greater reliance on pumping over rather than punching down, as well as shorter post-fermentation maceration and less new oak. Or to put it another way, she modernised the estate’s winemaking, prioritising delicacy of fruit and aroma. Over 16 years of biodynamic cultivation clearly helps greatly here, although in Sophie’s opinion, it is the calcareous marl soils, similar to those found in Burgundy, which allow her Pinot Noir to shine. This comes from vineyards around Gimmeldingen. 15% whole-bunch fermentation, with one year in barrel.