Müller-Ruprecht, "Pet-Nat Rouge" 2021

In Kallstadt in Germany’s Pfalz, a region whose longtime vinous reputation has largely hemmed decadent, broad, & rich, there is a young, intrepid estate giving what Stephen from Vom Boden calls the “spiritual middle finger” to these wines – they are producing filigreed depth, wines with ash and lace that emphasize cut and drive. This estate is “Müller-Ruprecht” headed by the young couple Phillippe & Sabine Wöhrwag (Sabine’s family’s Domaine) who got their introduction in the USA thanks to none other than Rheinheissen legend Peter Klaus Keller. Which is to say: Phillippe studied under him for two years meanwhile Sabine has been longtime with Julia Keller. Despite the more recent rise in PR as a professional winery, Weingut Müller-Ruprecht has grown grapes here on the most highly prized sites in the Pfalz for nearly 400 years. This is a new chapter, introducing a novel experimental end to the range of wines produced.

100% sparkling Dornfelder. After a gentle press, fermentation takes place in stainless steel with wild yeasts. Secondary fermentation takes place in bottle. Unfined, unfiltered, just a touch of SO2. Our friends at Vom Boden call this "vampire soda." Inkier in color, but so fresh on the palate, with a frothy bubble and an intense blast of acidity and minerality. Ideal burger bottle.