2018 DOMAINE OSTERTAG “LES JARDINS” – ALSACE, FRANCE
Riesling
Winemaking details: Andre Ostertag is a second-generation winegrower, focused on low intervention winemaking to express the great Alsatian terroir on the land which has been farmed biodynamically since 1998. The grapes for this wine are from a variety of plots all cared for and harvested manually. After a long and gentle nine-hour press, the juice is settled into stainless steel tank where it ferments with indigenous yeasts. When spring comes and the wine warms up, malolactic fermentation also occurs naturally, and the wine rests on lees for a year.
Color: Golden Straw
Bouquet: Honeysuckle, yellow peaches, lemon zest, green apple, oyster shell.
Palate: A lively and vibrant Riesling with a great depth and complex array of flavors. A medium body and the slightest touch of RS are met with a powerful and long acidity. The wine finishes salty and dry, begging for food. While this wine is quite a versatile food wine, it would pair excellently with a rich fish, Szechuan eggplant, or cured pork.
This wine is drinking great now, but if you are strong willed you could hold onto it for 10+ years.
Further information can be found here: https://shop.kermitlynch.com/product/detail/18FOS20.html
2017 HOFGUT FALKENSTEIN “NIEDERMENNIGER SONNENBERG” TROCKEN – MOSEL, GERMANY
Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir)
Winemaking details: Erich started acquiring old vineyards in the area when it was not well known as a wine region. He now has 12 hectares of old vines planted to steep, rocky hillsides. All grapes are manually cared for (the land is too steep for tractors) and harvested. Once picked, the grapes are fermented whole cluster with native yeasts and undergo daily pigage during fermentation. This red wine is a bit unique in that it does not go through ML fermentation as the pH of the wine is so low, which is characteristic of the soil type, climate, and style of Hofgut Falkenstien. The wine is aged in old neutral casks in a cellar built into the hillside for 6-9 months. In an old school fashion, the wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered directly from cask.
Color: Pale Ruby
Bouquet: Mushroom, forest floor, Tulare cherry, red currant, blackberry bramble.
Palate: Tart cherry and mouthwatering acidity are met with earthy umami notes and crunchy tannins. Light and bright, this is a great summer wine that would be enjoyable with a slight chill. This fine example of a German Pinot Noir would pair perfectly with all sorts of wild meats and game, and savory mushroom dishes.
A great wine for this summer, but will hold well for 5-7 years.
Further information can be found here: http://www.hofgutfalkenstein.com/index.html