Sylvaner Andi Weigand 2020

Andy Weingad interprets Sylvaner in a youthful and casual way, a pure grape juice that expresses its terroir of origin well and points a different way from the varietal's classic aromatic settings.

Andi Weigand makes his Sylvaner by vinifying pure grapes from vines more than 40 years old, raised according to the rules of organic farming and the principles of biodynamics, for which he has obtained certification. The variety represents one of the typical white berries of the Franken wine-growing region, in the middle of Germany, stretched between Frankfurt to the northwest and Nuremberg to the southeast: the territory is defined by the vast plain crossed by the Main River, sprinkled with dense forests and characterized by a soil called Keuper, peculiar to much of northern and central Europe. Sylvaner grows on these layers of clay and shale rock dating back some 230 million years, comparable to soils of a dolomitic nature, on gentle slopes that can reach 400 meters above sea level. Andi does not carry out any kind of systemic treatment in the vineyard and picks the grapes by hand at the moment of perfect ripeness.In his cellar in the village of Iphofen, he does direct pressing using an 80-year-old basket press. Fermentation takes place spontaneously in wooden barrels, with a 4-day maceration on the skins, while aging on fine lees takes place for 12 months in large wooden barrels. Bottling involves no filtration or clarification, and sulfites are not used at any stage of winemaking.

Andi Weigand's Sylvaner is straw yellow in color and slightly cloudy in appearance. The nose has a rich and complex impact, with clear evidence of hazelnut and acacia honey, then expressing riper hints of apricot and orange peel, yellow flowers and hints of vanilla, with a tail that veers into spice. The sip is characterful, smooth and creamy, driven by a vein of great freshness and a decidedly saline finish. Try it on vegetarian preparations and grilled fish.