Isele wine estate, Joachim & Florian Isele, in Ettenheim-Muenchweier
great rosé plus the finest white pinots and Pinot Noir
https://www.bonvinitas.com/media/reviews/photos/thumbnail/780x480c/46/73/a3/isele-wine-estate-joachim-and-florian-isele-in-ettenheim-muenchweier-46-1751288709.jpgThe vineyard is the cradle of the wine's later quality. The 12 hectares are home to the classic Breisgau grape varieties Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Noir. Riesling, Müller-Thurgau, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Auxerrois, and the bouquet varieties Muscat and Gewuerztraminer complete the range. Relatively small plots, rather than vast expanses, guarantee that the wines are shaped by the terroir and taste of where they were grown. The distinctive flavors of a wine originate in the vineyard. The vines grow on deep, fertile loess-clay soils on select south- and southwest-facing slopes. The microclimate, soil, grape variety, and the work in the vineyard all contribute to the individuality of the wines.
In the Baden region
Baden is Germany's sun-drenched wine-growing region. Located in this naturally blessed region of the Breisgau region, Muenchweier is a district of the beautiful baroque town of Ettenheim. In this tranquil spot at the foot of the Black Forest, nestled among vineyards and orchards, the Isele family has been running their winery for over 25 years. A perfect climate and fertile soils guarantee the production of high-quality wines.
Together we are strong
Three families are involved in the business. Son Florian is responsible for winemaking. He had an excellent mentor in Bernhard Huber from Malterdingen, one of Germany's best red wine producers. The second son, Philipp, primarily takes care of the outside operations. He also completed his training at the Bernhard Huber winery. Mother Andrea is responsible for the estate's attached temporary wine bar. Father and senior partner Joachim Isele is happy to be able to delegate more and more responsibility. But he, too, still works actively, whether in the cellar, the vineyard, or the wine bar. And if something goes wrong, one person steps in for the other. The Iseles are a prime example of how to run a family business and juggle everything.
The enthusiasm for wine can be felt
What could better describe the enthusiasm for one's own product than the statement of cellar master Florian Isele: "We want to continually enjoy young, new wines and later pay tribute to their age. We and our wines want to inspire, captivate and perhaps even seduce a little. We, the Isele family, want people to feel the passion, love and heart and soul that each of us puts into our profession when they drink our wines." This is evident in the following six wines selected and tasted.
Even the first wine makes it clear that this is no run-of-the-mill rosé. Pure drinking pleasure.
2023 Münchweierer Kirchberg Pinot Noir Rosé
It conjures up spring and early summer in the nose. Fruit and minerality reign supreme. Juicy watermelon, red gooseberry, and floral notes of roses and violets pique your curiosity. You can hardly wait to taste. This wine is no poltergeist. It is light and fruity, delicate and elegant. The cool gaze of passion. This wine is begging to be conquered. After every sip, you crave more. It fills the entire mouth. Aromas of blood orange and red grapefruit are just as much at home there as vegetal notes of nettle, ivy, and rosehip. This wonderful interplay of sweetness and acidity is captivating. What a joy to spend an evening with this wine.
Tradition & Modernity
We accept that the immutability of nature leaves little room for maneuver, but at the same time we strive to fill this space with skill, imagination, and passion. Combining tradition and modernity and embracing challenges! Business should not be determined by what is possible, but rather by what serves the wine. No off-the-shelf wines, but rather unique ones. Whether light, fresh Müller-Thurgau wines or full-bodied Pinot Gris, whether wines from stainless steel or barriques, whether red or white, each wine is carefully nurtured and cared for. Often, less is significantly better than more. "It's not what you can do that's important, but what's necessary," says Joachim Isele. And his sons see it the same way and are continuing the legacy in this regard.
Quality through handcraft – only one vine – no herbicides
This means intensive care of the vines from pruning to harvest. Absolute quality assurance is ensured even during pruning. Only one vine per vine, because reducing yields is absolutely necessary. Only by following the principle of less is more can high-quality wines be produced. All vineyards are grass-covered, and herbicides are not used. All grapes are still harvested by hand. This is the only way to obtain healthy, fully ripe, and undamaged grapes. Careful handling, both of the vines and of the winemaking process, is a top priority.
The two white Burgundy wines are also of the finest quality:
2023 Münchweierer Pinot Blanc dry
Liquid simplicity. Juicy without being greasy, spicy without being overpowering. Its aroma combination of fruity freshness, green gooseberry, mirabelle plums, green apple, fresh leaves, a hint of sage and sorrel, and swirling dust, horseradish, and rosehip, rises to the nose. Its bold acidity challenges us. Its aroma arrives on the tongue in the same combination: fruity nuances in a fine, light dose. You can and should take big sips here. Not only can you drink in a summer evening, but you can also really enjoy it with small snacks and appetizers on the terrace with friends. It is the craftsman among wines. Punctual and reliable. You can rely on it. It keeps its promises. It abhors frills and gimmicks. After every sip, you crave more.
2023 Münchweierer Pinot Gris dry
You'd imagine you're smelling everything, but in very small doses. Light acidity, light sweetness, a touch of spiciness, and delicate mineral notes. Almost playful, yet still present. The taste is full throttle. It knows its strengths. It's powerful without being opulent. It's demanding and rebellious, but what it says is well-founded and meaningful. A weighty wine with a great charisma. Restraint when necessary and open when called for. Unconventional, but a good friend to anyone who lets it get involved.
The red wines also leave nothing to be desired. Full-bodied and juicy, they don't overwhelm, but rather provide a wonderful mouthfeel with their rich aromas:
2020 Pinot Noir dry from old vines
The soft, warm, fruity nuances of blackberry, black cherry, elderberry, and a hint of black currant are beautiful. But before you're dazed by the aroma, the slightly smoky note paired with juniper swirls everything together. The soft core of this wine is magical. It's like biting into a high-quality dark chocolate filled with orange peel, ginger, and cassis. In between, violets, cherries, and plums brush against our taste buds. Certainly not a skinny wine. Fleshy, sensual, seductive. It flirts with us, and we're already dreaming of a long-term relationship.
2019 Münchweierer Kirchberg Pinot Noir dry
You're immersed in the scent of wild berries. The dark and heavy aroma of sweet cherry combines with juniper and cloves. The delicate smoky note at the end fits wonderfully into this mood. The taste is surprising: fresh, crisp sweet cherry and morello cherries. Provocative and stimulating. Great presence with plenty of punch on the palate. The subtle acidity is partly responsible for the successful balancing act between ripeness and freshness, earthiness and playfulness. The beautifully integrated wood note leaves enough room for cherry, plum, and black currant. Overtones of fresh leaves, boxwood, and black olives reinforce the powerful appearance. It's surprising that a delicate hint of violet still finds room at the very end. This wine has all the muscles in the right place. It uses its power purposefully. It is stimulating and challenging, and can still offer a few caresses.
A real treat for lovers of fruity sweet wines:
2023 Muscatel fruity sweet
A wonderful fragrance. Elderflowers in their purest form. Add roses and a hint of freshly blooming hyacinths. A true fragrance heaven, you almost want to smell the glass empty. Like biting into a ripe grape, juicy and fruity, so that you can't stop smelling and tasting. Spring and early summer are captured here. A whole basketful of blossoms and fruits rises to the nose and indulges our palate. Delicate and delicate nuances of lilac, elderflower, rose, and jasmine alternate. A truly seductive wine. A top-class quartet. Fruit aromas, acidity, sweetness, and alcohol in perfect harmony.
In addition to the wines, two sparkling wines, three sparkling wines Secco, and a brandy of the same quality complete the selection.
The estate's temporary taverna with wonderful with home-style cuisine
They've now become almost proverbial: "Baden cosiness and Baden hospitality." This region is not only a German leader in the gourmet sector, but also in the preparation of typical regional dishes. Where better to experience this up close than in an estate's temporary taverna (Strausswirtschaft in German) ? At the "Isele Strauße," you can forget everyday life for a few hours and let yourself be pampered. Regional food and estate wines are served in lovingly decorated interiors, and weather permitting, in the spacious garden restaurant with a dreamy ambiance.
The holiday apartment
Completed in 2016, this charming 70-square-meter holiday apartment is suitable for four people. The apartment is located directly on the estate, adjacent to the tavern and garden restaurant. It features a large living/dining room with an open-plan kitchen, a modern bathroom, a separate bedroom, and a balcony. It's ideal for those who want to enjoy the excellent wines and delicacies from the Isele family's wine tavern or simply enjoy hiking in the wonderful surroundings.