Rinke

17🯅

Tasted on 15 November 2025 by Werner Elflein

German wine law is riddled with absurdities. There is still no separate category for Pétillants Naturels, so depending on the pressure in the bottle, they are labelled as Perlwein or (taxable) Schaumwein or Sekt. Alexander and Dr Marion Rinke had to declare their Chardonnay Pétillant Naturel as Perlwein, even though it really has nothing in common with bottled wines to which carbon dioxide is artificially added. The decisive factor here is not the classification under wine law, but the fact that it is a Pétillant Naturel. At least this information is permitted on the label. Opening the bottle is unspectacular, because the wine has been disgorged. In the glass, it is a light yellow with moderate but relatively subtle cloudiness. Very fine perlage. The nose is highly complex. The first thing you notice is a subtle hint of smoked bacon, which immediately recedes into the background in favour of a vegetal scent, underscored by quiet aromas reminiscent of tobacco, cigar and hazelnut. This is followed by fruity aromas of pear, partly Concorde, partly Williams, and slightly sweet apricot, partly fresh and fully ripe, partly in the form of jam. In the mouth, a pleasant, airy foam initially seems to fill the entire space, preparing it for what follows. The delicate creaminess of the Chardonnay spreads, while the Pétillant Naturel sparkles with freshness and excitement. The lively acidity adds further stimulation. A hint of woodruff in the very long finish.

17🯅

Tasted on 15 November 2025 by Julia Elflein

16🯅

Tasted on 5 June 2021 by Werner Elflein

Mixed set of Chardonnay (90 %) and white Burgundy varieties from the Langsurer Brüderberg. Golden yellow. Fine, focused aroma of ripe orange and Cointreau. On the tongue only slightly phenolic, very well balanced with only little perceptible acidity. Stylistically quite an undogmatic orange wine that bridges the gap to conventional wine enjoyment. Very good length, quietly decaying.

18🯅

Tasted on 28 March 2021 by Werner Elflein

From a mixed vineyard, composed largely of various clones of Chardonnay, but besides other white Burgundy varieties and Traminer. Late filling of the “Muschelkalk” (hence “Muschelkalk patience”). Brilliant, twinkling straw yellow. Delicate vanilla aromas on the nose. Highly refined, subtle fruit aromas mainly with the scent of pineapple and pear, but also with a wide complex range of ripe stone fruit. If you know that the blend contains about an half percent Traminer, you can attribute the subtle floral component to it. Clear note of green herbs. In the background also a hint of ground black pepper. On the tongue juicy and creamy, at the same time with penetrating minerality, animating freshness and perfect balance due to the slow, careful aging in large wooden barrels. Rests literally in itself, but looks extroverted enough to develop individuality and character. Excellent length. A sleekly moving leopard in sheep's clothing.

18.5🯅

Tasted on 5 October 2025 by Werner Elflein

Disgorged in January 2023. 54 months of yeast ageing. Straw to golden yellow with bright reflections. Complex yeasty aromas on the nose, reminiscent of brown bread, brioche and sweet pastries such as colomba. Expressive fruit with citrus notes, oscillating between peach and apricot, but also displaying tropical notes. A successful stylistic fusion of French champagne and German sparkling wine, demonstrating that long yeast ageing does not necessarily negate the natural fruit. The finest perlage, clearly visible to the wearer of glasses or at close range, rising at medium speed. Fine mousseux at the palate. Balanced, with elegant acidity and creamy fullness that does not remind one of a Riesling sparkling wine in this form. However, this PassionSaar® shows that it does not always have to be Chardonnay or Pinot to achieve such an impressive result. Excellent length and sustainability. A masterpiece.

16.5🯅🯅🯅⚖

Tasted on 10 August 2021 by our jury

18🯅

Tasted on 10 August 2021 by Werner Elflein

18🯅⚖

Tasted on 15 June 2021 by Werner Elflein

18.5🯅🯅

Tasted on 15 June 2021 by Werner Elflein and Julia Elflein

Golden yellow. Very small bubbles, numerous and not too slowly rising from the mousse point. The idiosyncratic bouquet takes us straight to the coffee house. A cup of Capucchino with a little cocoa powder on the milk foam, accompanied by two amarettini on the edge of the plate. Afterwards, we enjoy the caramelised crust of a crème brûlée and sip a “Pharisee”. Delicately creamy on the palate, very complex, with enormous length.

15🯅🯅🯅⚖

Tasted on 10 August 2021 by our jury

18🯅

Tasted on 10 August 2021 by Werner Elflein

18🯅⚖

Tasted on 27 January 2021 by Werner Elflein

18🯅🯅

Tasted on 27 January 2021 by Werner Elflein and Julia Elflein

Disgorged on 10. August 2020. Straw yellow. Very fine perlage that rises quickly. Extensive aromas of yeast and brioche on the nose. Also a little vanilla. With air contact also herbaceous notes of mint, nettle and sorrel. In the mouth with fine foam, great complexity and at the same time a certain compactness. A little bit salty. Ripe yet tense acidity, reminiscent of a still partially green wild strawberry. Grapefruit and citrus in the enormously long finish.