Claudiu & Hannes Dumea ‘Rosso’ Spätburgunder NV

Another natural Pinot Noir in a way you’d least expect it: from an Italian winemaker working, of all places, in the Pfalz. Winemaker Claudiu Dumea doesn’t make an “easy” Spätburgunder, but rather, one that speaks of rocks and quartz and dandelion greens, dried cranberries and trees in autumn. It is so pure and beguiling, however, that we kind of couldn’t say no, reminding us of what might happen if the brooding red wines of the northern Alps and Dolomites trotted even farther north and gained a more gauzy German lightness. Proof that borders mean nothing in wine and life in general; instead varying backgrounds and intentions always result in something of interest, as long is the work is done well. Super interesting and touching stuff.