Domaine Nussbaumer

Domaine Nussbaumer is probably the best-known wine estate in the Basel area on the Swiss side of the border. I've come across their wines a couple of times at the annual Wymäss and was suitably impressed. Based in the village of Aesch (pronounced in Basel as a nasally "Aaaash!"), their range of wines emcompasses three red and five white varietals, including Räuschling, a little-known grape grown only in pockets of German-speaking Switzerland. The business also includes a restaurant.

Vineyards include the south-facing Klus in Aesch, which is the main Nussbaumer holding. There are also some smaller holdings: Arlesheim Schlossberg and Flüh Landskron - the latter situated literally a stone's throw from France (see my previous blog entry).

I recently tried the following Nussbaumer wine:

Domaine Nussbaumer, Pinot Noir Cuvée Spéciale, Aesch Klus, 2008
Ruby red in appearance with pale, watery edges. Spicy, almost Christmas cake aromas. After time in the decanter, it opens up into lovely marzipan and earthy notes. Minimal fruit but earthy on the palate. The acidic mouthfeel is quite edgy and stringent, and not would you expect after it being such a shower on the nose. The wine still tastes a bit harsh even hours later. Slightly disappointing, but maybe it needs more time to balance out. The litre red from Blankenhorn was more forgiving. However, maybe I should give this the benefit of the doubt until I try more Nussbaumer wines. Price: a little under CHF 19 (this is Switzerland, after all).