Mineralstein Chardonnay 2025

The story of our burgeoning relationship with winemaker Gerd Stepp started in 2022 with samples of his delightful Dry Riesling and Pinot Noir, tasted at the London Wine Fair. We quickly agreed upon an exclusive label and today – with the addition of this genius Chardonnay – we have a full range of brilliant wines, each a masterclass in varietal purity and expression. We find Gerd’s wines both ‘serious’ and commercially virile. Former roles as a winemaker for Marks & Spencer along with winemaking experience around the world make him a talented artist with enviable pragmatism.

Chardonnay can be prone to botrytis so harvesting at just the right time is critical and here, in Gerd’s Pfalz home vineyards, a late season leaf thinning process maximises fruit exposure to the sun and air and minimises the potential for any rot. Gerd also undertakes a negative fruit selection (triage), cutting off any green and botrytis-affected grapes. This ensures that only healthy, ripe grapes are harvested. Whole bunches are gently pressed with modern membrane presses at the winery. After cold settling and racking, 60% of the juice is fermented in French oak barrels and a further 40% in stainless steel tank. A diverse range of selected yeast strains perfected over the years is added. After fermentation over six weeks or so, the wine is kept sur lie for a further eight months but, crucially, with no bâttonage.

Our love of Chardonnay never waned, not even in the height of the so-called ABC rebellion. With this wine we have a wine that satisfies both camps of Chardonnay lovers – oak junkies and zest bandits. And, to be perfectly frank, it makes most white Burgundy at this price look pretty silly.