ZP Plum – fortified plum wine, aged in oak barrels

ZP Zwetschge – fortified plum wine – sweet wine from the Jörg Geiger Manufactory

The Jörg Geiger Manufactory's ZP Zwetschge – fortified plum wine – is a sweet plum wine aged in wooden barrels from the Swabian Alb, meaning a partially fermented plum wine that is fortified with plum brandy. The fortification stops the fermentation, thus preserving the plum's sweetness. The Geiger ZP, in its high-quality gift packaging, is an elegant gift for lovers of sweet wines and fruit brandies.

How the Geiger ZP is made

The whole plums ferment in open mash tubs at cool temperatures and are plunged daily. To preserve the natural sweetness and intense fruitiness, Jörg Geiger stops the fermentation with high-proof pure plum brandy, resulting in an alcohol content of around 20%.

After pressing, the wine is aged for over 18 months in used Cognac barrels, which allows the Jörg Geiger ZP to mature and at the same time imparts a hint of chocolate without making the wood dominantly prominent. Through this oxidative aging, the Jörg Geiger ZP loses around 2% vol. alcohol and is finally bottled with 18% vol. alcohol.

The old variety Hauszwetschge (domestic plum) has been widespread in Germany since the 17th century. Plum pits corresponding to those of today's Hauszwetschge were found in a well from the 2nd-3rd century AD in this area*. The pleasantly spicy aroma of this late-ripening variety is still unrivaled today. The opulent distillate itself always impresses with its power and lingering finish, so it was inevitable to apply this process to the Hauszwetschge as well.

In terms of color, the ZP displays a dense ruby red that extends to the rim. Its opulent aroma of fully ripe plums with marmalade undertones and creamy, soft dried fruit; a hint of vanilla and subtle smoky notes. On the palate, a very dense opening of mature plums paired with notes of black blackberry; good harmony between fruit, sweetness, and supportive alcohol; the medium-long finish reveals a youthful elegance that promises much potential.

Jörg Geiger Manufactory – Sweet Wines and Brandies from Fruit

The Jörg Geiger Manufactory is located in the small community of Schlat, eight kilometers southeast of Göppingen in the middle of the Swabian Alb. Here, in this cultural landscape characterized by mountainous forests, juniper heaths, and traditional orchards with fruit trees some over 100 years old, is the home of Jörg Geiger and his manufactory.

The youthful-looking Jörg Geiger grew up in his parents' restaurant, the over 300-year-old Gasthof Lamm. In addition to the successful restaurant, his father ran a small distillery. There he produced single-variety distillates, such as the Stuttgart Gaishirtle – a true rarity from an old pear variety. The passion for distilling and the preservation of old varieties was passed down from father to son. Since 1994, Jörg Geiger has continued to run the Gasthof and fruit distilling. Although he became known for the sparkling wine made from the Champagne Bratbirne and his non-alcoholic Prisecco, the fruit brandies should also be noted. Like these special sweet wines made from fruit from Swabian traditional orchards, self-distilled fruit brandies, and plenty of peace and time to mature in old wooden barrels.