Pinot Noix Ardoise, 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 heart of Daniel Twardowski’s Pinot Noix range, Ardoise comes from 10–20-year-old Pinot Noir vines planted on the steep Dhroner Hofberg, where grey slate is threaded with veins of iron oxide. Fermentation is spontaneous in open vats, followed by around 14 days of maceration and 18 months in Burgundy and Bordeaux barriques, with a small proportion of new oak.

Tart cherry and dark red berries meet gentle smoke, pepper and a distinctive slate-driven minerality. The palate is silky and finely structured, with remarkably fine tannins, vibrant acidity and beautiful transparency. Elegant and precise yet with real depth, finishing long, fresh and intensely mineral.

Producer Daniel Twardowki

Origin  Neumagen-Dhron, Mosel, Germany

Grapes Pinot Noir

Vintage 2022

Alcohol 13.5%

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 in Burgundy and Bordeaux barriques. Unfiltred, unfined, minimal sulphur at bottling.

Notes Low intervention, organic farming, biodynamic principles