Pinot Gris Rotenberg 2021

The Rotenberg de Wintzenheim, a unique vineyard site, is located on the west side of the GC Hengst. The marly limestone parent rock is consistent, but the Rotenberg has significantly less soil depth and a high iron content. This iron element provides a deep redness to the soil - hence the name of the vineyard. Its elevated position and exposure to the Vosges allow for a climate that encourages late ripening. Rotenberg is famous for the production of noble sweet wines, but the resulting dry wines with their strong acidity and exceptionally aromatic character are also amazing, especially for an otherwise rather neutral grape variety.

This wine is traditionally one of the most acidic Pinot varieties and is therefore also one of the slowest fermenting wines of the winery. To ensure that fermentation results in a dry wine, strict ripeness control is required at harvest. The aim is to harvest grapes with an optimal alcohol content without affecting the phenolic maturation. Biodynamic management allows the grape skins to ripen faster, which is particularly useful for this grape variety to avoid excessive alcohol content. The 2021 vintage is a perfect example of this process.

The colour of the wine is a bright and intense golden yellow.

The Pinot Gris Rotenberg 2021 aromatics are incredibly exciting. It shows a palette of citrus fruits, lemon balm, bergamot and an abundance of herbs that lead into notes of juicy quince and apples, as well as subtle hints of bee honey and vanilla foam. The nose literally tempts you to take a first sip.

On the tongue, the Pinot Gris proves to be an invigorating gem. The 2021 vintage is characterised by a sparkling freshness reminiscent of Riesling. It is an inspiringly fascinating wine with salty undertones and a brilliant acidity that gives it an almost tangible texture. A great finish and high ageing potential complete the experience. Here we have an Alsatian Pinot Gris in consummate form.

If you want to enjoy this wine already now, you should definitely decant it over several hours and serve it in a sufficiently large glass. Opened, it will gain in expression over a few days.

For an accompanying treat, I recommend mini artichokes with lemon chutney, grilled lobster with hints of ginger, aniseed and cardamom, or a veal pie with orange zest, tarragon, thyme and rosemary. If these exquisite dishes are not to hand, a fresh salad with citrus fruits and grilled chicken or tuna steaks with essential herbs can also be a good alternative.