About this WINE
Pinot Blanc
A white grape which is grown in Alsace, where it is sometimes referred to as Clevner or Klevner, and in Germany and Austria, where it is known as Weisseburgunder. In Italy it is called Pinot Bianco and is planted widely in Friuli-Venezia, the Alto Adige and the Veneto.
It is the workhorse grape of Alsace, where it is used to make varietal Pinot Blanc, is part of the blend for Edelzwicker, and is increasingly the main component of Cremant d`Alsace. It lacks the aromatic qualities of other Alsatian grape varieties and may not be used for the production of Grand Cru or late harvest wines.
At its best it produces light to medium-bodied, crisp dry white wines with hints of apples, honey and yeast and a refreshingly pure and clean finish. It normally sees no oak, though in the Alto Adige it is often fermented and matured in oak barrels.
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Description
How fortunate that these 50 - 60 year old Pinot Blanc vines are in the hands of young Lucas Rieffel, for he has the sensitivity and talent to bottle their precious fruit so graciously. I recall being struck by this wine way back when we're started working together, and several vintages on, sealed with a screw cap, the quality and pure (organic?) fruit expression has never been brighter.
A refreshing 12% alcohol level, the nose shows an exalted lime/lemon, with Riesling-like lift. Despite the relatively low acidities of 2011 (thanks to a dry season), these old vines work their magic, remaining bright and poised, treating us to a freshly squeezed bitter lemon quality, a dry pebbly minerality and measured generosity. Very good & great with light fowl dishes or fish.
David Berry Green
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