Radiant golden yellow with bright amber highlights.
Nose
Initially restrained, then profoundly complex: candied quince, ginger, caramelised pear, dried apricot, alongside bee sting cake, Tarte Tatin, toasted almonds and sponge cake. Flint, cold smoke, artichoke, fennel and yellow turnip join in, rounded off by cardamom, cinnamon and clove.
Palate
Dry and intense, revealing many layers of aroma within a silky, elegant frame. Moderate acidity (4.5 g/l) meets minimal residual sugar (3 g/l), yet delivers remarkable length and quiet grandeur.
Character
Neither docile nor intrusive – a wine at peace with itself, radiating wisdom. It remains true to its origins and earns greater respect with every sip, without ever needing to raise its voice.
Pairing
Roasted fennel with orange sauce, artichoke hearts with melted goat’s cheese and tomato chutney, or skin-grilled miso salmon with grated ginger.
Notes
From the Grand Cru vineyard site Furstentum, first documented in 1330, where Pinot Gris thrives on south-facing limestone slopes. The estate has been biodynamic since 1997 and is Demeter-certified. Vinification and ageing take place entirely in stainless steel tanks, underscoring the fine, precise structure of this vintage.
Tasting note
Colour & appearance
Radiant golden yellow with bright, amber-tinged reflections. A wine that promises depth even in the glass.
Nose
Initially restrained, then revealing impressive profundity: candied quince and ginger, caramelised pear and dried apricot. Alongside hints of Bienenstich and Tarte Tatin – toasted almonds, sponge cake, caramelised apples. Flint and cold smoke weave through, followed by artichoke, fennel and yellow beetroot. Cardamom, cinnamon and clove lend spice. Yet despite all this intensity, there is not the slightest perception of sweetness.
Palate
Dry, with 3 g/l residual sugar against 4.5 g/l acidity – a ratio that brings richness and structure into perfect harmony. Many layers of aroma and texture, neither tame nor overbearing. The aromatic profile from the nose carries through into a silky cocoon of fruit, spice and patisserie notes. Despite moderate acidity, it achieves remarkable length and a quiet grandeur. A wine entirely at ease with itself.
Finish
Long and serene, with lingering spice and an echo of candied ginger and flint.
Terroir & origin
The Grand Cru vineyard site Furstentum in Kientzheim was first documented in 1330. The vines – at least 25 years old – are planted on limestone slopes with a southerly aspect. Maurice and Jacky Barthelmé have farmed their 25 hectares biodynamically since 1997 and hold Demeter certification; Furstentum is one of six Grand Cru sites, spread across nearly one hundred parcels.
Grape variety & vinification
Pinot Gris, entirely vinified and aged in stainless steel tanks. The 2019 vintage began with difficulty but found its balance over the summer – the result being generous wines with a pronounced acid structure.
Food recommendations
Oven-roasted fennel with orange sauce, artichoke hearts with melted goat’s cheese and tomato chutney, or miso salmon grilled skin-side down with grated ginger.
Special characteristics
A dry Pinot Gris that, despite its opulent aromatics, never feels heavy – the tension between richness and structure makes it a quietly majestic wine.
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