Julia and Benedikt Baltes are passionate, talented people that are showcasing their heritage in the Ahr region through great Spätburgunder. Ahr is probably the most northern wine-growing region for red wines, but due to its unique microclimate and expressive soils it has a proven track record in great Pinot Noir.
The goal is to make profound and characteristic wines which are clear, fresh and show fine fruits with an elegance, finesse and a high level of complexity. The wines from Bertram-Baltes all start with the vineyard, followed by careful vinification and lastly the ageing for 12 to 15 months in German oak.
The most famous vineyards in the Ahr, the Rosenthal, are just above the old city of Ahrweiler. The origin of the name is uncertain but may refer to the planting of roses in the vineyards, which nowadays still is used by some winemakers. The roses are not purely decorative, but this demanding plant shows early signs of damage by pests and diseases which could then be responded to in time in the vineyard.
The steep slopes are held up by terrace walls, the remains of an old viaduct also give the vineyards a characteristic appearance. Its southern location in the widening valley provides sun from early to late, the soil is mostly characterised by greywacke, and sandy loess loam, partly with quartzite.
