Sous les Coudriers VdF 2023

Wine description for Sous les Coudriers VdF 2023 from Hunter McKirdy

In the gentle foothills of Alsace, where the tradition of winemaking is as deeply rooted as the vines themselves, Hunter McKirdy creates a Pinot Gris that captures the quiet poetry of its terroir in a remarkable way. Sous les Coudriers - "under the hazelnut trees" - is more than just a name; it is a tribute to the historic landscape in which this wine was born.

Visual impression

In the glass, the wine presents itself in a restrained, pale straw yellow with pale reflections reminiscent of the first sunlight of a spring morning in Alsace - clear, precise and of an almost translucent purity.

Nose

The aromatic signature is impressively subtle. Not exuberant, but precise and focussed, a mineral bouquet unfolds that tells more of the landscape than the fruit. Fine notes of graphite and crushed oyster shell merge with hints of iodised sea air - a salty freshness that is almost reminiscent of the coast, even though we are deep inland. Only secondarily does a subtle citrus fruit with a creamy texture reveal itself, lending the whole a subtle softness.

Palate

On the palate, the wine is surprisingly juicy and more open than the restrained nose would suggest. A pithy, ripe, light-coloured pome fruit unfolds with remarkable precision. What really defines this Pinot Gris, however, is its structural integrity - a chalky, chalky texture that seems to come directly from the oligocene limestone marl of the terroir, supported by a clear, focussed acidity. The slightly salty element in the finish creates an almost irresistible drinking flow that invites you to take the next sip. With 12.5% alcohol and a subtle residual sweetness, the wine always remains on the side of elegance and precision.

General information

This 2023 vintage is cultivated on the lower slopes of the hill on which the renowned Sonnenglanz Grand Cru grows. The northern exposure at 230 metres above sea level gives the wine a cooler character, which benefits its freshness. McKirdy's artisanal approach is remarkable: the grapes are harvested manually according to pH value and acid maturity, not potential alcohol content - an approach that emphasises finesse over strength. The whole grapes are gently pressed in a traditional wooden basket press for 8-10 hours - a "Champagne pressing", as the winemakers call it. The juice flows without the intervention of gravity into over ten-year-old Burgundian barrels, where it ferments spontaneously and matures for nine months on the full lees, without racking and with minimal sulphur added only before bottling. It is a wine that has been vinified with remarkable restraint in order to preserve the purity of expression.

Food recommendations

The mineral precision and salty freshness of this Pinot Gris predestines it for dishes that reflect these qualities. It harmonises excellently with Oysters and raw fish like a delicate Sashimi or Ceviche. The subtle fruitiness complements Dishes with citrus flavours and fresh herbs. Also to Goat cheese or a creamy risotto with spring vegetables it makes an elegant companion. Its salty minerality also makes it the ideal partner for Dishes with hazelnuts - a tribute to its name.