Weingut Kranz, a prominent winery in the Pfalz region, is celebrating 25 years of producing wines from the Kalmit vineyard, located in the village of Ilbesheim on the Kleine Kalmit.
The estate’s origins date back to 1947 when it was primarily focused on mixed agriculture. Boris Kranz, the current owner, joined the family business in the mid-1990s and recognized the distinctive potential of the Kalmit vineyard. It wasn’t until 2009 that Kalmit was officially designated as a single-vineyard site, known as an Einzellage, marking the first new single-vineyard registration in Germany since the 1971 German Wine Law.
In 2012, Kranz became a member of the VdP (Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter), offering their first Grosses Gewächs (GG) from Kalmit with the 2011 vintage. Since 2000, they have produced a single-vineyard Riesling from Kalmit, leveraging its unique terroir that allows for the production of Riesling, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Noir.
The Kalmit vineyard features a south-facing slope with tertiary limestone soils, composed of a mix of stones, limestone, clay, and marl-rich topsoil of varying depths.
During a recent tasting, Boris Kranz and his son Xaver presented a selection of wines, showcasing the vineyard’s evolution over the years:
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Kranz Kalmit Riesling 2000: A dry and intense wine with honey, wax, and spiciness. It has a rich wealth and a long, finely spiced finish. 95/100
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Kranz Kalmit Riesling 2003: Notable for its beeswax and crystalline citrus fruit flavors, with lovely depth. 94/100
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Kranz Kalmit Riesling Terrassenlage 2008: Features crystalline citrus and high acidity, finishing with lingering spice. 95/100
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Kranz Ilbesheimer Kalmit Riesling GG 2011 (magnum): Rich and powerful with an amazing acid line and distinctive flavor profile. 95/100
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Kranz Ilbesheimer Kalmit Riesling GG 2016: The first vintage that is 100% organically certified, showcasing pure lemony fruit with good acidity. 95/100
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Kranz Kalmit Weisser Burgunder 2006: Displays depth of fruit with honey, toast, and good acidity. 93/100
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Kranz Ilbesheimer Kalmit Spätburgunder GG 2013: Offers a fresh and appealing taste, with cherries and raspberries. 92/100
With the winery’s commitment to the Kalmit vineyard and its unique terroir, Weingut Kranz continues to craft exceptional wines, enhancing its legacy in the Pfalz region.
For more information, visit Weingut Kranz.