RIESLING GRAND CRU HENGST 2020

This Riesling comes from three plots located close to each other, in the heart of the Hengst. This Grand Cru, facing South-Southeast, culminates at 360 meters and is located in the commune of Wintzenheim. The total area is 53 hectares. The Hengst terroir is made up of brown, calcareous, sandy, and clayey soils associated with Oligocene conglomerates. This stony soil is derived from Muschelkalk limestones intertwined with clay. It is a powerful wine-growing land that warms up quickly in spring. Rooting is favored by the stony structure, and it has a water reserve thanks to the conglomerates.

Grass cover in every other row. Light plowing.

Harvesting is 100% manual.

Our approach remains traditional. The grapes are pressed whole for approximately 7 hours in our pneumatic presses. Debourbage is natural. Fermentation starts spontaneously with the natural yeasts in a century-old foudre. It is followed by aging on fine lees for several months, until bottling, which usually takes place in July.

Before bottling, the wine is filtered. Sulfur may be readjusted, if necessary, at this point.

This great dry white wine, dense, powerful, and mineral, is a model of evolution. In warm years, it reveals an expressive and open nose where candied citrus fruits, pink grapefruit, and spice intertwine with a bright minerality. The lively and full palate is driven by a chiseled and crystalline acidity, supported by flavors of fresh citrus and infused herbs.

Cooler vintages can sometimes be reserved or a little austere, but the delicate and often ethereal structure opens up within 5 to 7 years to improve with age. The minerality then binds with floral notes, with scents of verbena and limestone rock.

This wine will be the preferred partner for fine fish and shellfish (lobster – spiny lobster). As it evolves, creamy poultry dishes or those with rich sauces will flourish thanks to its dense minerality. After 20 years, a pot-au-feu with bone marrow will sharpen its saline texture and long, precise acidity.