Bernhard Huber, Malterdinger Chardonnay, 2022

Citrus-zest, White Pear, Chalky Mineral, Precise

Germany / White / Chardonnay / Organic

The grapes for the 2022 “Malterdinger” Chardonnay come entirely from vineyard parcels in and around the village of Malterdingen, on shell-limestone / Muschelkalk-influenced soils with loess components. The fruit is pressed as whole clusters on a spindle press, without maceration. Fermentation is spontaneous — indigenous yeasts — and the wine ages on fine lees for about 14–16 months in small oak barriques, around one-third of them new. Bottling is done without filtration, preserving texture and structure, resulting in a Chardonnay that combines subtle reductive aromatic complexity, mineral tension, and refined oak-driven depth. The palate delivers chalky minerality, fruit purity and saline grip, giving a wine of precision, length and terroir expression. 

Notes on the producer

Bernhard Huber’s estate is located in the small village of Malterdingen in the Baden wine region, in the Breisgau / Kaiserstuhl foothills, an area with a long tradition of vine growing. While the domaine has made its name primarily with red wines (notably Spätburgunder / Pinot Noir), Chardonnay and Weißburgunder also form an important part of the portfolio. After the passing of Bernhard Huber in 2014, his son Julian Huber — together with his mother Barbara — continues to run the estate. Under Julian’s leadership, the winemaking style has evolved toward greater precision, freshness and terroir-driven expression, while retaining the structural backbone and aging potential that the estate is known for. The 2022 Malterdinger Chardonnay marks a milestone: it is crafted as a 100% Chardonnay from within Malterdingen, fully embracing the village wine (Ortswein) concept and aiming for a “German Chardonnay with Burgundian soul, Baden character.” The house increasingly moves – or has moved – toward organic / biodynamic viticulture, underlining a commitment to sustainability and minimal intervention.