FRANCE
Riesling Plaenzerreben de Rorschwihr
2008 Riesling
Viticulture
| Vineyard: | Pflaenzerreben. |
| Soil Type: | Muschelkalk loess, loam, clayey limestone. |
| Vine Age: | |
| Irrigation: | No irrigation |
| Harvest Date: | |
| Yield: | Very 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: | Bright golden yellow. |
| Nose: | Bright, subtle petrol with lemon zest and fruity notes. |
| Palate: | It is focused and firm, shows great acidity and minerals, fresh fruits with a lingering finish leaning towards a more spicy ending. |
| 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:
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