FRANCE

2008 | 2000 | 1999

Riesling Plaenzerreben de Rorschwihr
2000 Riesling

Viticulture

Vineyard:
Soil Type: Muschelkalk loess, loam, clayey limestone.
Vine Age:
Irrigation: No irrigation
Harvest Date:
Yield: Low.

Vinification:

The Plaenzerreben de Rorschwihr vineyard covers 6.3ha and is located in the South East of Rorschwihr. Its Alsatian name means “Young Vines”. The soil in this vineyard is limestone of Muschelkalk type.
In Alsace the limestone terroirs come from marine deposits from the Secondary era. The most representative ones in the Vosges foothills are those from the Muschelkalk (Trias) and from the Dogger (Jurassic). The Muschelkalk is a grey limestone with interbedded layers of marl (calcareous clay). The Dogger is a whitish oolistic limestone (caviar grain-sized).
These rocks easily fracture and water disintegrates the limestone; a small percentage is soluble (active limestone) and, thus, can be assimilated by the plant. The fertility is due to the calcium and magnesium carbonates; their clay content leads to the presence of other elements.
The weathering of limestones is more mechanical than chemical; it rapidly forms a thin, superficial black soil which is extremely rich in organic matter. This is typical of this terroir.
The very stony soil hardly retains water and, thus, it is not good for the vines to face due south, particularly in dry years.
In these soils the wine acquires the depth, balance and delicacy of great wines that age well.

Tasting Notes:

Color: Golden yellow.
Nose: A rich nose with orange zest, peach and spices.
Palate: It is rich and concentrated with focus, great acidity with exceptional length. It is fruity with peach and citrus with great spice.
Other: This is an exceptional food wine; it will pair well with chicken curies, goose foie gras on brioche, lobster, fish choucroute or spicy scallops.

Chemical Analysis:

Alc (%): 13
RS (g/l):
TA (g/l):
pH: