Paul Anheuser, Blanc de Noir

Here’s a wine that offers something rather unique. Sure you’ve had pinot noir, but have you had a white pinot noir? Sure you’ve had a blanc de noir, but have you ever had a still blanc de noir?

For those new to the terminology, “blanc de noir” translates literally to mean “white of black.” It’s a French term used to describe a white wine made from red grapes. It’s not uncommon at all to find sparkling wines as blanc de noir, typically made from pinot noir grapes, but I think this is the first time I’ve come across a still wine labeled as a blanc de noir.

This wine is produced in a region of Germany called Nahe, which is along the Nahe river just west of the Rheinhessen region. The Nahe river is a tributary to the Rhine, flowing into the Rhine just west of and across the river from Rüdesheim am Rhein. Most of the grapes grown in Nahe are white varieties, but pinot noir accounts for 6% of production here.

This wine has a copper hue, which is characteristic of a blanc de noir. On the nose it offers melon, white peach and herbal aromas. Melon flavors dominate the palate but there’s a touch of lime and some salinity as well. I would have liked a bit more acidity to brighten it up. It finishes with herbal and salty qualities. It’s an interesting wine and one that is quite food friendly.

Wine: Paul Anheuser, Blanc de Noir
Varieties: Pinot noir
Vintage: 2016
Alcohol: 11.5%
Rating: 85
Average price: $14.00
Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.