Pinot Noix 3rd, Daniel Twardowski 2022

A lifelong devotee of Burgundy, Daniel Twardowski is more than a collector — he is a scholar of the Côte d’Or, deeply versed in its geology, microclimates, and the relationship between Pinot Noir and terroir. After years studying the world’s greatest wines, he realised the only way to pursue his vision was to create something of his own. That opportunity came in 2011, in Germany’s Mosel Valley. Twardowski acquired just 3 hectares of steep, slate-rich vineyards in Neumagen-Dhron, within the historic Hofberg site. Defying convention, he regrafted the vines with selections from Burgundy’s great lieux-dits, Clos de la Roche, Richebourg, and Romanée-St-Vivant — aiming not to replicate, but to reinterpret Pinot Noir on blue Devonian slate rather than limestone. The project, named Pinot Noix, reflects both its singular vision and the surrounding biodiversity of hazelnut trees, chestnuts, and wild herbs. Farming is organic, with low yields driven by the demanding terrain. In the cellar, Twardowski works with precision and restraint: whole-cluster fermentation, gentle extraction, and long ageing (18–24 months) in carefully selected Burgundian barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, the wines are released only when ready — a meticulous, intuitive approach rooted in observation and taste.

The first estate in over a century in the Mosel dedicated solely to red wine, Twardowski reveals a previously untapped potential: sumptuous, mineral, quietly powerful Pinots of striking purity and emotional depth, rare wines that redefine what is possible in Germany.

The most approachable of Daniel Twardowski’s Pinot Noix range, 3rd comes from his youngest Pinot Noir vines, up to 10 years old, planted on the steep grey slate and iron-rich soils of the Dhroner Hofberg. Fermentation is spontaneous in open vats, followed by 14 days of maceration and 18 months in used Burgundy and Bordeaux barriques, before a further two years of bottle ageing.

Amarena cherry and dark red berries meet black pepper, subtle savoury notes and the distinctive slate-driven minerality of the Mosel. Medium-bodied and beautifully vibrant, with fine tannins, bright acidity and remarkable energy. Elegant and immediately expressive, but with far more depth than its position as Daniel’s entry wine might suggest.

Producer Daniel Twardowki

Origin  Neumagen-Dhron, Mosel, Germany

Grapes Pinot Noir

Vintage 2022

Alcohol 12.5%

Style Elegant, bright, precise, complex

Bottle size 75cl

Winemaking Organic farming, hand harvested, whole bunch and destemmed grapes combined in layers, spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, ageing in old Burgundy barrels for 18 months, then a further 2 years in bottle.   Unfiltred, unfined, minimal sulphur at bottling.

Notes Low intervention, organic farming, biodynamic principles