About this WINE
Domaine Lucas & Andre Rieffel
In the Bas-Rhin near the town of Barr, surrounding the village of Mittelbergheim, are located the 9.5ha of vineyards owned by Lucas Rieffel and his father André. Lucas took over the reins in 1996, and he has been working towards becoming organic ever since...Since the 2009 harvest wines have been 100% organic.
Benefiting from a spicy mix of sandstone, clay, marl, granite and limestone soils, Lucas's strength lies particularly in his range of fine varietal (fruit) wines, notably Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Muscat, Sylvaner & increasingly Pinot Noir.
However he also produces stunning wines from the single Grand Cru vineyard sites of Wiebelsberg, Zotzenberg & Kirchberg de Barr.
Vinification is a traditional blend of 'foudres' and stainless-steel, with malolactic fermentation the norm.
Pinot Gris AOC Alsace
Pinot Gris AOC Alsace is a white wine produced in the Alsace, the northeastern part of France, near the border with Germany. Pinot Gris is one of the four noble grape varieties grown in Alsace, along with Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Muscat.
Pinot Gris, also known as Pinot Grigio in Italy, is a grape variety that produces various styles, from light and crisp to rich and full-bodied. In Alsace, Pinot Gris tends to lean towards the fuller-bodied end of the spectrum. The wines are known for their aromatic complexity, with flavours that include ripe stone fruits like peach, apricot, and pear and notes of honey, spice, and sometimes a hint of smoke.
Pinot Gris AOC Alsace wines typically have a golden yellow colour and a rich, oily texture on the palate. They can be dry or off-dry, with a noticeable presence of residual sugar in some examples. The wines often have a good level of acidity, which helps balance the richness and sweetness.
Alsace is known for its unique terroir, which plays a significant role in shaping the character of Pinot Gris wines. The region's vineyards benefit from a semi-continental climate with sunny, dry days and cool nights. The Vosges Mountains protect from excessive rainfall, creating a relatively dry microclimate. The diverse soils, which include granite, limestone, marl, and sandstone, add further complexity to the wines.
Pinot Gris AOC Alsace wines are quite versatile regarding food pairings. Their fuller body and slightly off-dry character make them an excellent match for various dishes. They pair well with roasted poultry, grilled fish, seafood, creamy sauces, and spicy Asian cuisine. The wines can also be enjoyed on their own as an apéritif.
Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio
A first class grape variety grown in Alsace, where it is known as Tokay Pinot Gris, and in Italy, where it is called Pinot Grigio. In Alsace it is best suited to the deep, clay rich soils found in the north of the region where it produces richly honeyed, dry whites as well as superb sweet late harvest wines. At its best it combines the heady perfume and rich aroma of Gewürztraminer with the acidity one associates with Riesling. It ages very well, developing rich buttery characteristics.
In Northern Italy Pinot Grigio produces many thin undistinguished dry whites. However it comes into its own in Friuli-Venezia and the Alto Adige, where leading producers such as Alvaro Pecorari of Lis Neris produce marvellously rounded, elegant, and mineral laden examples. Pinot Gris is now grown with notable success in Oregon in the USA and in New Zealand.
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Description
This dry style of Alsace Pinot Gris offers aromas of quince, fresh pear and yellow flowers. This wine is traditionally fermented and aged in old Burgundy barriques, offering a delicate honeyed note and rounded mouth-feel. The finish is long and complex with hints of peach stone and citrus pith. This would pair well with smoked salmon or spice-based dishes. Ready to drink now.
Daisy Gatt, Buying Assistant (summer 2019)
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