Alsace Grand Cru OSTERBERG 2020 - Riesling

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Wide, well balanced with a long finish

Appellation:

Alsace Grand Cru OSTERBERG

Locality:

Osterberg, exclusively areas on the edge of Ribeauvillé. Hillsides facing East South-East at an altitude of 250 to 350 meters, and on average to steep slopes which benefit from excellent levels of sun. Osterberg is a well-known wine-growing area, mentioned in documents from the Middle Ages. The Lords of Ribeaupierre cultivated their vines there.

Type of soil:

The soils are rich in clay and small stones. The substratum is essentially composed of Muschelkalk with a moderate quantity of marl, and in the East of Lettenkohle with dolomitic chalks and multicoloured marls. The presence of dolomitic chalk and thus of dolomie induces some water storage capacity in the soil. This water can be released progressively in case of dry and warm conditions and thus prevent the vines from suffering from lack of water. Furthermore, these vineyards oriented East South-East with high amount of clay are cooler than the Grand Cru Kirchberg. The expression of the wines is “harder” and more “austere” compared with the Kirchberg. Our vines are present in the deep and marly soils of the east as well as in the stony part in the west on the Grand Cru.

Certified organic grapes for an enhanced terroir expression:

Started in 2005, our conversion to organic production took a concrete form three years later in 2008 with the ECOCERT certification. Since 2012, all the cellar operations are also covered by the European specification so that we can now speak about organic wines.

Wine character:

As often on young Osterbergs, the nose is open at this stage. It expresses itself classically with citrus and floral notes. Pure and precise wine, straight, and of beautiful persistence. This straightness is the signature of this Grand Cru.

Tips for consuming:

Young wine that will benefit from ageing. A perfect wine for dishes calling for great dry aromatic white wines : seafood and crustaceans, fish (grilled or smoked) and of course young goat cheese.

The 2020 vintage:

The 2020 vintage starts with a very mild 2019-2020 winter. After an early bud burst following a mild spring, stable, dry and mostly windy conditions prevailed for several weeks. The return of cooler and stormy conditions in summer ensured a correct water supply, a good ripening of the grapes and the preservation of their freshness. The harvest is again early and gives us balanced and ripe wines.

Press:

Score 93/100 in the Guide des Meilleurs Vin de France 2023 (La Revue du Vin de France)