Weisser Burgunder (literally, white Burgundy, also seen as Weisserburgunder, Weiss Burgunder, and Weissburgunder, and often with the “ss" written as “ß”) is what German Pinot Blanc is called. It can make a fascinating, racy wine in Germany, especially the Pfalz, that are unlike any Pinot Blanc that I know from any other wine region.
2018 was a difficult year for Weisser Burgunder, with too many examples being loose and flabby due to low acidity. I’ll spare you the notes on those wines and just present the minority that I tasted that are indeed worthy of interest.
SALLE-UNSTRUT
PAWLS
2018 (Freyburg) Edelacker Weisser Burgunder GG
Racy, salty nose. Pure and clear in the mouth with a slight bit of oak as a spice, racy, good length. 91/A-
BADEN
BERCHER
2018 (Burkheim) Feuerberg Haslen Weisser Burgunder GG
Attractive mineral nose. Good acidity, minerality, race. 91/A
FRANKEN
JULIUSSPITAL WÜRZBURG
2017 (Volkach) Karthäuser Weisser Burgunder GG
Medium-weight, some race and minerality, but surprisingly, less than the wine below, as this is 2017 and that one is 2018. 89/B+
STAATLICHE HOFKELLER WÜRZBURG
2018 (Würzburg) Stein Weisser Burgunder GG
Chalky nose. Medium-light, good raciness, especially for vintage. Mineral. 91/A
PFALZ
Geheimer Rat Dr. von BASSERMANN-JORDAN
2018 (Deidesheim) Langenmorgen Weisser Burgunder GG
Round, racy, mineral, light, nervy. 91/A
KNIPSER
2018 (Laumersheim) Kirschgarten Weisser Burgunder GG
Buttery, lime nose. Lime, mineral, pure, some race. 91/A
MESSMER
2018 (Burrweiler) Im Goldenen Jost Weisser Burgunder GG
Racy, mineral nose and mouth. Good acidity and freshness for vintage. 91/A
PFEFFINGEN/FUHRMANN-EYMAEL
2018 (Ungstein) Herrenberg Weisser Burgunder GG
Some butter, some race, but less than Knipser, some lemon. 90/A-