Markus Molitor : Pinot Noir Graacher Himmelreich*** 2018

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Pinot Noir Graacher Himmelreich*** 2018 by Markus Molitor

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a deep, luminous purple hue enhanced by garnet highlights. A slight paleness at the rim indicates the early stages of evolution in this high-quality Pinot Noir.

Nose

The bouquet reveals itself as complex and alluring, gradually opening up with aeration. It expresses aromas of ripe cherry and plum, accompanied by blackcurrant notes that bring freshness and vivacity. Delicate nuances of spice, rose and peony enrich the profile, while characteristic touches of crushed slate and mocha add an extra dimension to this refined nose.

Palate

On the palate, this Pinot Noir stands out for its elegance and remarkable balance. The attack is delicate before unfolding generously. Silky tannins coat the palate while a fine, crystalline acidity provides structure. The light to medium body reveals flavors of red cherry, red fruits and plum, harmoniously integrated with the mineral and spicy notes perceived on the nose. The finish stretches out at length, persistent and ethereal, leaving an impression of purity and freshness with echoes of cherry and minerality.

Food and wine pairings

This Pinot Noir pairs ideally with roast duck with fruit, grilled salmon or delicate poultry dishes. It also goes perfectly with wild mushroom preparations, particularly those featuring black truffles. Lean red meats such as venison or rabbit, simply prepared, also make excellent pairings. For cheese, opt for Brie, Gruyère or aged goat cheeses.

Serving and storage

The Pinot Noir Graacher Himmelreich*** 2018 can be enjoyed now but will continue to evolve until around 2045. It is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 57 and 61°F. A brief decanting of about thirty minutes will allow the wine to fully express its aromatic complexity.

An exceptional, expressive and refined Pinot Noir from the Mosel

The estate

Founded in 1984 when Markus Molitor took over the family estate at the age of twenty, Weingut Markus Molitor has established itself as one of the undisputed benchmarks in the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer wine region. Starting from a modest 1.5-hectare vineyard in the Wehlener Klosterberg, the estate now spans over 120 hectares across some twenty Grand Cru classified sites. Markus Molitor, representing the ninth generation of winemakers, has built his reputation on an uncompromising philosophy that prioritizes terroir expression, organic viticulture and natural winemaking methods. The only German winemaker to have received the perfect score of 100 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate around fifteen times, he embodies the excellence of Mosel wines throughout the world.

The vineyard

The Pinot Noir Graacher Himmelreich*** 2018 comes from the prestigious Graacher Himmelreich site, one of the most renowned terroirs in the Mosel. Located on steep slopes with a south to southwest orientation, this vineyard benefits from optimal sun exposure, creating a microclimate particularly favorable for growing Pinot Noir. The soils consist of relatively rich slate compared to other Mosel sites, imparting the wine's characteristic minerality while allowing for a generous fruit expression. Planted in 1987 by Markus Molitor himself, this vineyard is among the oldest Pinot Noir plots in the region, with the vines having reached approximately thirty years of maturity at the time of the 2018 harvest. The steep gradient of the terrain requires entirely manual work, from pruning to harvesting, ensuring a rigorous selection of the finest grapes.

The vintage

The 2018 vintage proved particularly favorable for the production of quality red wines in the Mosel. After a mild winter, spring allowed for early budbreak followed by an even flowering. Summer was characterized by high temperatures and generous sunshine, promoting optimal ripening of the grapes. These climatic conditions yielded perfectly ripe berries, concentrated in aromas and phenolic compounds, while preserving the natural acidity essential for the wine's balance and aging potential.

Winemaking and aging

The Pinot Noir Graacher Himmelreich*** 2018 was crafted according to the natural winemaking principles dear to Markus Molitor. The grapes, hand-harvested over several successive passes through the vines, underwent a rigorous double selection, first in the vineyard and then in the cellar. After destemming, fermentation proceeded spontaneously thanks to indigenous yeasts naturally present, without the addition of commercial yeasts. The wine was then aged in French oak barrels for a period of eighteen to twenty-four months, allowing for gradual maturation and harmonious integration of the tannins. In keeping with the estate's philosophy, no filtration or fining was carried out before bottling, thus preserving the full aromatic complexity and texture of the wine.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir