Alsace Grand Cru OSTERBERG 2012 - Riesling

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Fruity, dry and well balanced.

16/20 in the Bettane & Desseauve 2017 guide
16/20 in the Guide de la Revue du Vin de France 2015

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:

Open nose of a mature wine on lemony and ripe fruit flavors. Straightforward palate. This is a typical Osterberg with a structure of mature acidity giving the wine length and persistence. In 2012 this structure is present without being extreme.

Tips for consuming:

This Grand Cru can be aged. However it is now ready for drinking.May be served with all dishes which require a dry white wine: crustaceans, shellfish, fish (grilled or served in sauce), white meat, and of course young goat cheese.

The 2012 vintage:

2012 will stay in our memories as a chaotic vintage when considering the weather conditions. After a very warm month of March, the temperatures got cold for the next weeks. The flowering took a long time in fresh and humid conditions. Summertime started with rain and cold temperatures, but fortunately August got warmer. September was nice and not too warm so that the final maturing process took place under ideal conditions. The harvest started on September 24th with the grapes for the Cremant d’Alsace and went one with the other varietals afterwards. Thanks the stable conditions at the end the cycle we could harvest fresh and mature grapes in sound condition. They did not carry at all the stigmas on the season.