Tending about 35-40 individual parcels of vineyard in the Swabia region of Germany, Marcel Idler is vying to make a name for the lesser known terroirs of his homeland with indigenous grapes and winemaking practices that let the land speak for itself. Crafted from 40-year-old vines grown in clay, marl, and sandstone soils at 240 meters elevation, this organically farmed and biodynamically tended Trollinger delivers surprising depth and nuance. Fermented with native yeasts and given two weeks of skin contact in open vats, then aged for 10 months in used 500L tonneaux before being bottled without fining or filtration and just a touch of sulfur. The result is a light-bodied, complex red with spicy aromas, juicy and jammy cherry, raspberry flavors with floral undertones, and a soft, velvety finish. Pairs delectably with Spaetzle, Thai chicken curry soup, or Gouda.

— Producer

Gnarly Vines