Wine Dossier
Perfectly positioned on the northwest side of the renowned Grand Cru Hengst in Wintzenheim, the Rotenberg vineyard nestles on red limestone bedrock. Despite the steepness of the slope and the relatively barren limestone, the Rotenberg benefits from its inherent late ripeness after harvest. Both the altitude of the vineyard and its north-west orientation contribute to this remarkable inertness, which efficiently slows down the sugar increase in this precocious grape variety.
Consider the career
The Rotenberg was once predestined for the production of late harvest wines. However, with changing climatological conditions and early harvests, the tendency today is towards considerably drier winemaking. The Rotenberg has successfully adapted to this paradigm shift. With its vigorously growing vines, which however only bear a few, small grapes, the production volume is minimal. But it is this small quantity that ensures wines with a firm structure in the meagre harvest years such as 2019. Slow fermenting wild yeasts ultimately contribute to the creation of an absolutely dry wine, much to the delight of the winery!
The visual experience
A radiant and intense golden yellow flatters the eye of the beholder.
The Bouquet
The aromatic attack of the 2019 Pinot Gris Rotenberg is powerful and distinctive. Numerous nuances such as beetroot, boxwood, pepper and walnut unfold, accompanied by a juicy undertone of orange and mango. With a little aeration, meadow herbs and broom join in, complemented by subtle hints of anise and coriander.
Taste experience
On the palate, the wine seems to dance with its elegance and firmness. A considerable saltiness paired with a bracing acidity evokes the complexity of a Riesling without sacrificing the Pinot Gris signature. A brilliant wine that has the potential to age for decades, but already delights at this stage. An extended decanting time and a generous glass will do justice to the richness of this wine and allow it to gain expressiveness.
Alternative dishes for pairing
Smoked duck breast carpaccio, lime zest, mild tamari sauce, ground star anise
Lentil and Pumpkin Soup Pot with Galangal
Smoked chicken breast in puff pastry, gentle orange sauce, sliced beans
