ROTENBERG 2018

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Red chalk - Opulent, rich and well balanced

Appellation:

Alsace

Locality:

Grapes coming exclusively from local soils of the Rotenberg located in the eastern part of the vineyards of Ribeauvillé on the lower part of the hillsides.Type of soil

The Rotenberg parcels of land are found in the geological fracture zone of Ribeauvillé. This area is located at the bottom of the terraces from the Rhine valley. The soils are red and brown and gave to the place its name "the red hill". They are chalky and lay over a hard layer out of chalk and sandstone marls. The iron oxides contained in the soil gave this vineyard ist red color.

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:

This Rotenberg shows a nice yellow color. The nose is expressive and rich with flavors of ripe fruits and spices. A complex bouquet, full of character. On the palate the wine presents some smoothness due to the very high maturity of the grapes. This smoothness is balanced by the complex aromas and the fine citrusy freshness typical from this single vineyard.

Tips for consuming:

Foie-gras, exotic and spicy cuisines from India and Asia, Munster and blue cheeses (Roquefort, Stilton) cakes and sweet dishes based on chocolate. Also a good choice of wine for aperitifs and parties.
May be consumed immediately, but also benefits from being allowed to age, which brings out the complexity in the bouquet.

The 2018 vintage: exceptional vintage rich in contrasts:

Contrasty: The weather conditions of the vintage were diverse and even extreme. Between January and July, Ribeauvillé got close to 500 mm rainfall, the equivalent quantity of a whole year. The vines started to grow relatively late, but the flowering took place rapidly. The summer was warm and dry. The few rainfalls came at the right moments with the perfect quantities.
The harvests started early under good conditions and allowed us to pick grapes with very nice maturity levels and in perfect shape. It was therefore possible to wait for the formation of Noble Rot and to elaborate nice Late Harvests (Vendanges Tardives) and Noble Rot Selections (Sélections de Grains Nobles).
An exceptional vintage where we went through worries during the drought to deep satisfaction during the harvests.
The 2018 wines are powerful and pleasant.