Enderle & Moll Weiß & Grau 2023
White wine with skin contact (Orange-leaning white). It is a dry, textured blend made with natural philosophy: wild yeasts, no fining, no filtration, and minimal sulfur added only at bottling. · Enderle & Moll. This cult-status duo, Sven Enderle and Florian Moll, are pioneers of the German natural wine movement. They are renowned for their low-intervention approach, working with very old vines (some 60+ years) and producing wines that are electric, unforced, and deeply expressive of their terroir.
Vintage: 2023. A vintage that favored freshness and aromatic intensity due to balanced ripening periods. It shows high vibrancy and immediate drinkability compared to the more concentrated or hot years like 2018 or 2022.
Type
White wine with skin contact (Orange-leaning white). It is a dry, textured blend made with natural philosophy: wild yeasts, no fining, no filtration, and minimal sulfur added only at bottling.
Producer
Enderle & Moll. This cult-status duo, Sven Enderle and Florian Moll, are pioneers of the German natural wine movement. They are renowned for their low-intervention approach, working with very old vines (some 60+ years) and producing wines that are electric, unforced, and deeply expressive of their terroir.
Country
Germany. Traditionally known for its precise Rieslings, Germany has become a hotbed for high-quality Pinot varieties (Spätburgunder, Weissburgunder, Grauburgunder) and a world leader in the progressive natural wine scene.
Vintage
2023. A vintage that favored freshness and aromatic intensity due to balanced ripening periods. It shows high vibrancy and immediate drinkability compared to the more concentrated or hot years like 2018 or 2022.
Region & Appellation
Baden, Germany. Specifically located in the southern part of Baden, near the foothills of the Black Forest. While designated as a Landwein (regional wine), it carries the prestige of top-tier artisanal winemaking.
Grape Varieties
A blend of Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc) and Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris). Weissburgunder provides high-toned acidity and floral notes, while Grauburgunder adds color, texture, and savory depth due to its pink-skinned nature during maceration.
Color & Appearance
Medium straw to copper-gold with slight haziness due to the lack of filtration. It shows a faint pinkish tint reflecting the skin-contact of the Pinot Gris. Legs are moderate, indicating a dry wine with good extract.
Aroma Profile
High intensity and complex. A mix of orchard fruits (bruised apple, pear), apricot, and wild herbs. Secondary notes of wet stone, beeswax, and a slight nutty/oxidative character indicative of the low-intervention style.
Tasting Notes
The palate is electric and alive. It opens with zesty citrus and saline minerals, followed by a savory, textural mid-palate from the skin contact. It is bone dry with a long, phenolic finish that leaves a refreshing grip on the gums.
Flavor Profile
Quince, dried orange peel, raw almond, and a distinct herbal tea note. The fruit is present but secondary to the earthy, mineral, and savory components that define the Enderle & Moll style.
Body & Texture
Medium-bodied with a unique 'grippy' texture. The contact with the skins provides a tactile, slightly fuzzy mouthfeel that contrasts beautifully with the wine's lean, vertical structure.
Acidity & Tannins
High, vibrating acidity that provides great lift. There are light, fine-grained tannins present from the skin maceration, giving the wine structural stability and a food-friendly profile.
Sweetness Level
Bone dry. Residual sugar is negligible, typically under 2g/L, allowing the purity of the fruit and the soil to show without masking.
Alcohol Content
Usually ranges between 11.5% and 12.5%. This relatively low alcohol level keeps the wine light on its feet and highly sessionable.
Aging & Oak
Aged in older, neutral oak barrels (fuder and demi-muids) and stainless steel. The oak is used solely for gentle oxygen exchange rather than flavor, preserving the primary fruit and mineral tension.
Food Pairings
Excellent with roasted poultry, earthy vegetarian dishes like mushroom risotto, smoked fish, or hard mountain cheeses like Comté. Its texture also stands up well to spicy North African or Asian cuisine.
Serving Suggestions
Serve at 10-12°C (50-54°F). Do not serve ice cold, as the texture and complex aromatics will be muted. Use a large universal or Burgundy glass. Decanting for 20 minutes is recommended to let the natural reduction blow off.
Price Range
$25 - $35 USD. It represents exceptional value for a handcrafted, 'cult' natural wine from one of the most respected producers in the genre.
Quality Assessment
90-92 points. It is a benchmark 'entry-level' wine for the producer, consistently over-delivering on complexity and personality. It is highly regarded by natural wine enthusiasts globally.
Production Methods
Hand-harvested, partially whole-cluster, indigenous yeast fermentation. Short skin maceration for the Grauburgunder portion. Unfined and unfiltered to preserve the maximum flavor profile.
Terroir
Grown on limestone and sandstone soils. The Muschelkalk (shell limestone) adds a distinctive salty minerality and sharp definition to the acidity, which is a hallmark of the Enderle & Moll vineyards.
History & Heritage
Founded in 2007, Enderle & Moll started in a small shed with used equipment. They gained fame because Jancis Robinson's tasting room called them 'purists' and 'cult,' sparking international demand for their Spätburgunder and white blends.
Interesting Facts
The label features the motto 'Rien Sans Peine' (Nothing without effort). They are often cited as the reason Baden is now taken seriously for Spätburgunder and Pinot blends by international critics.
Cellaring Potential
Best enjoyed young to appreciate its vibrancy (next 3-5 years), though its structure and acidity allow it to hold steadily. It does not require long-term cellaring to show its best.
Similar Wines
2Naturkinder (Franken), Holger Koch (Baden), or perhaps the field blends of Gut Oggau (Burgenland, Austria) for those who enjoy skin-contact Pinots with high acidity.