A wine you won't want to let go of:
2024 Gutedel (Chasslas) Kabinett dry, Ballrechten-Dottinger Castellberg

My notes read: "The Baden Prädikatswein, 11% ABV, from the Wine Estate Löffler (pictured above), which I rated with 94 green bonvinitas points – green signifies Category 1, dry up to 12% ABV: Even the aroma is invigoratingly fresh, reminiscent of fresh apples, subtly accompanied by lemon zest and a hint of mandarin; on the palate, it's lively and radiant, evoking memories of a freshly mown spring meadow; the equally radiant finish is captivating and lingers long after you've finished it." So much for Gutedel - the German name of Chasslas - being just a table wine? The two Löfflers demonstrate here what can be achieved with Gutedel: a wine that simply enchants you with its wonderful lightness – a rare combination. It pairs perfectly with steamed fish, trout poached, or sautéed shrimp.

Like a spring breeze:
2024 Sauvignon Blanc dry, Ballrechten-Dottinger Castellberg

A quality wine from Baden, 11.5% ABV, from the Wine Estate Löffler, which I rated with 95 green bonvinitas points: A spring-like aroma of mimosa, linden blossom, and candied orange peel rises, accompanied by a hint of bell pepper; on the palate, a firm body is underpinned by notes of green beans, topped with fruity notes ranging from gooseberries to lemon jelly, which persists throughout the entire length of the wine, culminating in a finish with hints of pistachio and finally white pepper. Pairs well with, for example, stuffed peppers, artichokes, green beans with butter, or vegetable casseroles.

The Wine Estate Löffler in Staufen-Wettelbrunn is one of the rapidly growing ones.

From humble beginnings, the winery now encompasses 22 hectares of vines, managed by father Wolfgang and son Andreas Löffler, both trained winemakers. The vines are primarily located in the Ballrechten-Dottinger Castellberg vineyard, from which two small hills rise, each with first-class steep slopes on their southwest, south, and southeast sides in a semicircle, on which the Löfflers also own land.

The estate's grape varieties include, above all, Gutedel, the distinctive flagship grape of the Markgräflerland region, as well as Pinot Noir, Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and others. Gutedel, also known internationally as Chasselas, is one of the oldest known grape varieties and has been traced back to ancient Egypt. It arrived in the Markgräflerland – the German corner of the tri-border region of Germany, France, and Switzerland – as early as 1780, when Margrave Wilhelm of Baden brought planting material from Lake Geneva, where Chasselas is still cultivated today. The winery's disco and wine tavern are well worth a visit.

Densely packed, elegant red wine
2020 “Black Forest” red wine cuvée dry, aged in barrique

13.5% ABV, Qualitätswein (quality wine), Wine Estate Löffler, which I rated with 91 red bonvinitas points – Category 2, for dry wines over 12% ABV: Elegant, fruity aromas with hints of sour cherry compote, gingerbread, dark chocolate, and a touch of licorice and tar; on the palate, an equally elegant, densely packed red wine, from which the notes of sour cherry compote reappear, along with subtle tannins and peppery notes; an elegant, almost crystalline finish, from which a pleasant, smooth glace unfolds. Excellent with, for example, pot roast, lamb rump, or venison stew.

The points represent my personal opinion. I use the same rating system as for the bonvinitas group blind tastings for the bonvinitas wine guide.

Text and photos: Dieter Simon, publisher and editor-in-chief of bonvinitas, unless otherwise stated with the photos.