Domaine Weinbach 2018 'Cuvée St. Catherine' Pinot Gris, Alsace, France [375ml Half Bottle]

Domaine Weinbach 2018 'Cuvée St. Catherine' Pinot Gris, Alsace, France [375ml Half Bottle]

Established in 1612, 100% Estate Grown. Cuvée Ste. Catherine was created in 1984 before the accession of the Grand Cru system in Alsace. This was a challenging vintage with a cool, wet summer and the Riesling grapes were not ripe at all in September. Luckily, Alsace was blessed with a beautiful Indian summer and the last Rieslings from Schlossberg were picked on November 25th, Ste. Catherine’s Day. This Pinot Gris comes from the lower part of the Grand Cru Schlossberg vineyard as well as the Clos des Capuchins. It is the driest of the Pinot Gris range and is rich, spicy, and gentle.

Winemaker: Laurence Faller,  Ghislain Berthiot

Farming: Biodynamic (certified Demeter)

Variety: Pinot Gris

Terroir: Old vines from three different terroirs:  The monopole vineyard of the Clos des Capucins with sandy silt soil on granitic pebbles; the bottom of the Grand Cru Schlossberg with granitic soil; and younger vines from the Grand Cru Marckrain with limestone-marl type

Vinification: Hand-picked  at  optimum  maturity  to  reinforce  the  aromatic  expression  and  body  of  the  wines. Gently  pressed in whole clusters in pneumatic presses and fermentation with indigenous yeasts (an element of the terroir that enhances depth and complexity in the wines) in old oak vats.

Aging: 8-10 months in large old oak foudres

Tasting Note: Subtle and delicate nose of honey and exotic fruit, with smoky and buttery notes. Rich and well-structured on the palate, crisp and supple thanks to a lively acidity which frames the flavors. A dense, concentrated wine showing a very elegant and persistent finis

Pairing: Perfect accompaniment to a mushroom risotto, white meats, poultry, lamb, and duck. Pairs very well with grilled salmon and other oily fish as well as Asian or Asian-influenced cuisine and hard cheeses

Scores: 95 points, James Suckling.