Riesling Roche Roulée 2021

Wine Description for Riesling Roche Roulée 2021 by Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

Colour & Appearance

Radiant, intense golden yellow – a visual promise of the concentration this wine delivers.

Nose

Initially closed and compact, the 2021 displays its youthful restraint. After aeration, a fascinating interplay of aromas unfolds: pronounced flint notes and stony minerality dominate, accompanied by apricots, oranges and orange peel. These are joined by candied ginger, mango, a hint of honey and vanilla, along with notes of dry biscuits. A wine that rewards patience and reveals its complexity only with time.

Palate

Explosive. The acidity of the 2021 vintage strikes the palate with positively electrifying precision – perfectly embedded in a melange of yellow and exotic fruits. The saline minerality lends the wine an almost chalky texture, whilst a fine tannin structure provides impressive depth and length. This is no obliging charmer, but a Riesling with backbone and character.

Finish

Long, precise and carried by vibrant freshness. The stony minerality lingers and leaves a lasting impression.

Terroir & Origin

Roche Roulée sits on gravelly and silty alluvial soils in the Turckheim valley. Despite its flat location, the vineyard benefits from intense evening sun and is shaded later than the classic hillside sites. The well-drained, dry soil results in naturally low yields and high aromatic concentration.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Pure Riesling, which fermented for over a year before turning dry – a consequence of the exceptionally high acidity in the 2021 vintage. This extended fermentation contributes to the wine’s complexity and structure.

Food Pairing Suggestions

The vibrant acidity and minerality harmonise beautifully with grilled prawns with bouillabaisse and rouille, pumpkin gnocchi with grapefruit sauce or veal rack in basil and blood orange sauce. Generally an ideal companion to dishes with citrus notes and delicate spicing.

Special Notes

Definitely decant! This wine needs air and should not be enjoyed too cold from large glasses. A Riesling with enormous ageing potential that will reveal its true greatness in the years to come.