Riesling Roche Granitique 2020

Wine info
Olivier Humbrecht
Late-ripening and climate-aware, Riesling is a grape variety that knows how to enjoy the characteristic climate change of Alsace. Its need for high acidity is optimally found in a well-drained, rapidly warmed terroir - perfectly embodied in the steep granite slopes of Turckheim. The granitic soils here help to elevate Rieslings that are exquisite, concentrated and surprisingly free of vegetal profile.

Expansion information
This vintage is the result of vines planted on the Grand Cru Brand between the years 1978 and 2001, away from the Grand Cru production. In addition, a small area directly below the Grand Cru is also added each year. The harvest of the 2020 vintage showed high ripeness, but an intensive fermentation process pushed back the sugar and resulted in an exceptionally dry wine.

Colour scheme
A striking and sharp golden yellow colouring.

Odour profile
The 2020 Riesling Roche Granitique immediately demands to be decanted. A great aroma of minerality escapes from the bottle, mixed with notes of orange and white peach, complemented by peach skin, cooling stone, oyster shell, soy sauce and a hint of sea breeze. This wine already leaves the impression of a finely crafted work of art on the nose.

Taste profile
The palate is characterised by precision: Citrus, yellow and exotic fruits subordinate themselves to a powerful and lively acidity, while the salty minerality comes through superbly. It pulls pleasantly and stimulatingly across the tongue, with not only its subtle bitterness in the aftertaste, but also its balanced mix of fruit and acidity encouraging continuous drinking. A brilliant companion to food, as are many top wines from Alsace.

To develop its full potential, I recommend decanting and serving in generous wine glasses.

Alternative pairing suggestions:
- Sweet potato wedges and pear chutney
- Fried scampi and nectarine salad on rocket salad
- Citrus Pulled Chicken on crispy Ciabatta.