Speedy maturity
It definitely is early, the Frühburgunder (early Pinot) - and thus usually gives the starting signal for the grape harvest. The harvest of this red wine variety starts about two weeks earlier than the Pinot Noir.
Frühburgunder (Pinot Madeleine) comes from the Pinot family and is a natural mutation of the Pinot Noir. In the 1960s, Frühburgunder threatened to disappear from the map. The variety was moody and only brought very low yields. The scientists at the research institute in Geisenheim, however, did their utmost to prevent the quiet farewell of this grape variety. The professors recognized the potential of the vine and began breeding systematically in the mid-1970s. Today, Frühburgunder covers 77 hectares of vineyard in Rheinhessen. The berries of "Pinot Madeleine" are significantly smaller than those of Pinot Noir. In combination with the rather low yield, Frühburgunder produces intense, spicy and full-bodied wines.
Frühburgunder wines have a dark, ruby red color. Typical aromas of this grape variety are cherry, blackberry, blackcurrant, raspberry and often smoky notes. Frühburgunder is often aged in oak barrels or barriques. This gives the wines additional backbone and creates a delightful balance with the fruit-intensive aromas.
As a strong wine, it matches dishes like venison or fried or juicy lamb legs especially well. Of course, it also harmonizes well with cheese - particularly when they are spicy.
