12.5% abv, Bestheim, Bennwihr, imported by Saranty Imports, Stamford, CT. Cork closure: synthetic. Biodynamic calendar: flower day.
Winemaking notes: “Marl, limestone and sandstone soils characterize the southward facing Altenbourg climat. Between 225 and 250 metres above sea level, on a gentle slope, the lieu-dit Altenbourg lies just below Grand Cru Furstentum. Wines from this terroir are made from grapes harvested in the Kientzheim-Kaysersberg valley, which lies just below the foothills of the Vosges mountains. The Altenbourg terroir is composed of gravel deposits and alluvium. The deep soils of the Kientzheim slopes – predominantly marl, limestone and sandstone – have geologically and historically proven to be perfectly suited to Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer, producing wines of great richness and concentration. Although it does not have Grand Cru status, Altenbourg is often considered one of the terroirs that produces the best Alsace wines.“
Tasting note: the Altenbourg Gewürztraminer is medium gold in color with a clean nose of pronounced intensity with aromas of fresh rose petal, carnation, lycee, dragon fruit, bruised apple, and wildflower honey. On the palate this wine is off-dry with medium acidity, medium alcoholic, medium+ body, pronounced flavor intensity and a medium+ finish with flavors of rosehip, honeydew melon, cantaloupe, lycee, mirabel plum, clover honey and pink ginger. Drink now or through 2032, this wine is very good: 9.1/10.
