2012 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. Tech stats: 1.7 g/l residual sugar, 5.85 g/l acidity, 13.3% alcohol. 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

“Vivid straw-green. Schlossberg-typical minerality complements white stone fruits, lime and minty herbs on the nose and in the mouth. Also stony in the mouth, with a laser beam of harmonious acidity nicely extending the long finish, which features repeating notes of mint and lime and a complicating nuance of tomato leaf. I always recognize this wine blind in Bott-Geyl’s line-up from its stony personality (the Schlossberg is rich in granite).” 91 points Ian d’Agata