Sweetheart Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Oliver Zeter, Pfalz (50cl)

Vibrant exotic fruit character with a refined balance of acidity and gentle fruit sweetness. Aromas of Thai basil, pomelo and mango give an uplifting, tropical profile, making it an excellent aperitif or pairing for light desserts.

Brothers Christian and Oliver Zeter bottled their first vintage in 2007 and have already earned themselves a place in the wine world. Today they cultivate six hectares of the best sites in Palatinate; some are their own vineyards, some of which they lease from growers with whom they have built and maintain long-term relationships.

The drinking bear that adorns the label comes from the quill of a well known Pfalz artist named Otto Dill, a friend of Oliver’s great grandfather Walter Baer (German for bear). On one occasion in 1933 Walter was unable to meet his friends for a regular ‘glass of wine or two’ and the artist sent the sketch on a postcard to his friend Walter the ‘bear’, and the postcard was signed by all the friends present that day. Oliver has the postcard in his kitchen. He declared that the bear had been with him all his life and when he made wine he would go on the label.

The “Sweetheart” is a sweet wine made from late-harvested, very ripe Sauvignon Blanc grapes from three different vineyards. Fermentation is spontaneous, and then stopped at precisely the correct time by being exposed to the cold January air. This preserves the wine’s balance between fruit, acidity and sweetness.