Riesling Roche Granitique 2020

Wine Description for Riesling Roche Granitique 2020 from Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

Colour & Appearance

Luminous, intense golden yellow – a wine that already reveals its maturity and concentration in the glass.

Nose

Upon opening, an impressive aromatic profile unfolds with almost sculptural precision. Orange flesh, white peach and peach skin meet a cool stony note reminiscent of oyster shell, sea breeze and a hint of soy sauce. This mineral clarity works like a masterfully chiselled artwork – precise, complex, fascinating.

Palate

On the palate, the full brilliance of the granite terroir reveals itself: citrus fruits, yellow and exotic fruits are carried by a vibrant, pronounced acidity. The saline minerality is omnipresent and lends the wine an almost electrifying tension. It flows across the tongue with wonderful energy, stimulating and precise. Despite 13.5% alcohol, the 2020 vintage tastes remarkably dry – the vigorous fermentation has converted the sugar almost completely.

Finish

The aftertaste is characterised by a fine bitterness and saline minerality that greatly stimulates the drinking experience. The length is remarkable, the freshness persists to the very end.

Terroir & Origin

The grapes come from vines (planted between 1978 and 2001) on the legendary Grand Cru Brand in Turckheim and from a parcel directly below it. The steep granite slope with its well-draining soils warms quickly and enables optimal physiological ripeness with low malic acid levels – ideal conditions for Riesling of substance without herbaceous notes.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Riesling in pure form, a late-ripening variety that loves the continental Alsatian climate. The 2020 vintage brought very ripe grapes that, through vigorous fermentation, became a remarkably dry wine – a granitic Riesling of intensity and maturity.

Food Pairing Recommendations

A wine that serves the food: perfect with grilled prawns with peach on rocket, pulled pork with oranges or roasted potato and pumpkin wedges with apple-ginger chutney. Also a revelation with sushi, oysters or pan-fried fish.

Special Notes

Definitely decant and enjoy from large Burgundy glasses – this wine needs air to unfold its full complexity. A Riesling for connoisseurs that rewards patience.