Weingut A. Christmann is one of Germany's most admired Pinot Noir producers, based in Gimmeldingen in the Pfalz and farming the Idig monopoly vineyard in Konigsberg as its crown jewel. Steffen Christmann has been a leading voice for natural viticulture and authentic German wine through his chairmanship of the VDP, and the estate's biodynamic approach to the four-hectare Idig vineyard reflects his conviction that great wines begin in the soil. The Idig's south-southeast-facing slope over massive limestone bedrock and Terra Fusca scree is documented as one of Germany's true grand cru sites.

The Spätburgunder Grosses Gewächs from the Konigsbacher Idig represents the estate's most ambitious Pinot Noir expression, applying traditional Burgundy vinification techniques (whole-bunch fermentation, old-barrel ageing) to fruit from a German limestone grand cru. The 2018 growing season in the Pfalz was warm and ripe, delivering wines of greater concentration and richness than the cooler, more elegant profile of recent years. In magnum, the wine's development is slowed, preserving both the fruit and the structure for extended cellaring.

The Christmann Idig Spätburgunder GG has become a reference point for German Pinot Noir at its most ambitious, demonstrating that the Pfalz's limestone-dominated grand cru sites can produce wines of Burgundy-comparable quality and longevity. Steffen Christmann's influence on the VDP's quality standards and his articulate advocacy for terroir-expressive winemaking have brought international attention to both the estate and the Idig vineyard's exceptional status within German viticulture.

Cellar for eight to twelve years in magnum. Best from 2030 to 2048. Pair with roasted game bird, duck breast or aged Comté. Decant two to three hours before service and serve at 16 to 17 degrees Celsius.

Deep ruby with violet hints. The nose reveals fine red berries, dried rose, flint, subtle new oak spice and a characteristic limestone mineral quality from the Idig's terra fusca bedrock. The palate is medium-full bodied with silky tannins, excellent depth and a long, precise finish. German Pinot Noir at its most ambitious; structured for significant development.