Chardonnay Alte Reben - Weingut Eymann

The Chardonnay Alte Reben - Weingut Eymann presents in the glass with brilliant pale gold and delicate straw-colored reflections. As it is poured, a multi-layered bouquet unfolds that immediately fascinates. Ripe yellow fruits recall peach and juicy lime, joined by citrus zest of lemon as well as a fine hint of vanilla. In the background lie roasted hazelnuts, which lend depth and finesse to the bouquet. The nose appears precise, clearly structured, and very inviting.

On the palate, this single-varietal Chardonnay from Gönnheim in the Pfalz region shows a dense, silky texture and impressive balance. The opening carries aromas of peach and lemon, followed by lively lime, which gives the wine freshness and tension. Fine toasted notes and vanilla from maturation in large wooden casks frame the fruit elegantly without overpowering it. The acid structure appears precise and straightforward, yet very harmoniously integrated. Tannins play a restrained role in this white wine but contribute nuanced structure and grip at the edges of the palate.

In the mid-palate, nutty nuances of hazelnut appear, which, together with the creamy, silky texture, create a refined mouthfeel. The aromatics remain clearly defined and focused at all times, without heaviness. The finish is of medium length, carried by ripe citrus freshness, delicate spice, and a subtle hint of vanilla. Its origin in the Pfalz shapes the wine with an interplay of juicy fruit, discreet power, and elegant coolness.

The grapes for this Chardonnay Alte Reben - Weingut Eymann come from old vines in Gönnheim, rooted in lime-rich loess soils that give the wine minerality, structure, and depth. The style of the wine shows the “Old World” at its best: clear, balanced, and terroir-driven, with moderate alcohol content and taut contours. The biodynamic cultivation of the vineyards is reflected in an impressive expressiveness in the glass.

• Type of wine: dry white wine from Chardonnay
• Origin: Pfalz, sub-region Gönnheim, Germany
• Soils: limestone and loess – the basis for tension and elegance
• Texture: silky, creamy, yet precise
• Awards: Eichelmann 86 points, James Suckling 92 points

1. Nose: peach, lime, lemon, hazelnut, vanilla
2. Palate: juicy, fine toasted notes, subtle spice
3. Structure: lively acidity, medium body, well balanced
4. Finish: medium length with citrus and nut notes

Production of Chardonnay Alte Reben – Weingut Eymann

The vineyards for the Chardonnay Alte Reben - Weingut Eymann lie around Gönnheim in the Pfalz, where a mild, sunny climate meets fresh winds. Warm days ensure ripe, aromatic grapes, while cool nights preserve the freshness in the wine. The limestone and loess soils store water and warmth ideally and give the Chardonnay pronounced minerality as well as a fine impression of salinity.

Old vines with deep-reaching roots tap into the various soil layers particularly intensively and produce lower yields with high aromatic concentration. Harvesting is done carefully by hand, grape by grape, so that only perfectly ripe fruit reaches the cellar. Strict selection already takes place in the vineyard to consistently ensure quality.

In the cellar, Weingut Eymann relies on a combination of stainless-steel tanks and large wooden casks of around 5,000 liters. Part of the must ferments in stainless steel, preserving freshness, clarity, and the varietal fruit aromas of peach, lime, and lemon. The other part matures in large wooden casks, which give the wine structure, gentle vanilla notes, and fine toasted aromas, without overloading it with strong wood impressions.

Fermentation is temperature-controlled so that the multi-layered aromas can develop slowly. Afterwards, the young Chardonnay remains on the fine lees for a certain period. Regular stirring of the lees intensifies the silkiness, rounds off the acidity, and lends the wine its creamy, ample texture. This gentle élevage also supports longevity and complexity.

The winemaker’s style clearly favors elegance over opulence. Biodynamic work in the vineyard and careful vinification in the cellar result in a Chardonnay that authentically reflects its origin and vintage. Fruit, acidity, wood, and silkiness are held in a finely calibrated balance that gives the wine character, depth, and drinkability.

Serving recommendations for Chardonnay Alte Reben – Weingut Eymann

This Chardonnay accompanies a wide variety of light and hearty dishes from both classic and modern cuisine. With poultry dishes such as oven-roasted corn-fed chicken, pan-fried guinea fowl breast, or tender veal loin, the wine shows its full class. The creamy texture harmonizes excellently with cream sauces, light jus, and butter sauces.

This wine also pairs excellently with light, delicate dishes. Steamed or grilled fish such as cod, sea bass, or char gains a fine counterpart from the Chardonnay’s citrus freshness and nutty spice. With seafood such as scallops, prawns, or pasta with lemon-butter sauce, a particularly appealing dialogue arises between fruit, silkiness, and salty notes.

• Light, hearty cuisine: poultry, veal, creamy sauces
• Light, delicate cuisine: fish, seafood, vegetable dishes
• Vegetarian pairings: asparagus risotto, pasta with mushrooms, oven-roasted vegetables
• Cheese: medium-intense, creamy cheeses, e.g. Brie or young Comté

The Chardonnay Alte Reben - Weingut Eymann is perfectly suited as an elegant wine for the balcony or as a companion for balmy evenings on the terrace. At weddings, it stylishly accompanies the reception, the menu, and the festive table. At a picnic or as a summer wine, it reveals its fresh, fruit-driven side and provides special moments of enjoyment outdoors.

The ideal serving temperature is between 8 and 10 degrees Celsius in a white-wine glass. In this range, the wine shows its complete spectrum of aromas – peach, lime, lemon, hazelnut, and vanilla – while remaining taut and stimulating. A temperature that is too low would close up the aromas, whereas a temperature that is too high would make the fruit impression seem too broad.

With professional storage, this Chardonnay develops additional depth over several years. A cool, dark place with constant temperature and moderate humidity is particularly suitable. The Burgundy bottle with cork closure supports gentle maturation, during which nutty and spicy components gain in intensity, while the fruit remains multi-faceted. This way, the wine offers sophisticated drinking pleasure both in its youth and with some age.

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