2011 Bott-Geyl Riesling Schlossberg Grand cru

The Schlossberg was the first and only Alsatian vineyard qualified as a Grand cru in the mid ’70s. It is a rockhead’s delight, as the intensity of minerality from these granite dominant soils is undeniable. It ages impeccably, in a more austere than fleshy vein. 350 cases made, from 20-45 year old vines. Food pairings: fish terrines and carpaccios, smoked and grilled fish, quenelles de brochet in a miso sauce, grilled crustaceans.

“It was the first Grand Cru vineyard in Alsace (80 hectares) and Riesling is the King, as it was centuries ago. Most of the vines face due south. The terroirs of the very steep slope of Schlossberg are on a crystalline mineral of granite from the basement of the Vosges Mountains, with sandstone and shale from the Devonian period. The result is great Rieslings with richly floral scents, finesse and cristalline acidity balanced with great charm.” – Bott-Geyl website

“Bright, gold-tinged straw. Typically Schlossberg nose combines peach, honey, flinty minerals and spices. Juicy and perfumed in the mouth, with very good depth to its lemon, white peach and tangerine flavors. Finishes clean and long, with a note of sweet lime. Archetypical riesling from granite soils. These vines, which Bott-Geyl only began farming in 2008, is located in a valley protected from the wind, which was important in a hot year like 2011 since the Schlossberg’s granitic soils can suffer from drought.” 92 points Ian D’Agata