2017 Sylvaner de Mittelbergheim, Domaine Lucas & André Rieffel, Alsace
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.
Silvaner/Sylvaner
A white grape of uncertain origin that is planted in Alsace and more widely in Germany. In Alsace where it is known as Sylvaner, it is gradually being replaced by Pinot Blanc and Riesling - what is left over usually ends up being blended with other varieties and labelled Edelzwicker or being bottled as AC Alsace.
In Germany it represents around 10% of the total plantings and for years and it had a reputation for high acidity, neutral wines, low in aroma and fruit. However today much better wines are being produced through selection of better sites, lower yields, and crucially through harvesting at optimum ripeness - if unripe Sylvaner makes an exceedingly green and mean wine. The very best examples are from Franken.
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Description
The Rieffel family has been producing wine since the 1940s from selected parcels and Grand Cru sites around the town of Mittelbergheim. Following in his grandfather’s and father’s footsteps, Lucas Rieffel now heads up the estate, bringing a dynamic energy and meticulous attention to detail. The estate achieved organic certification in 2012 and remains a small team of just three people.
Made from Lucas’s favourite grape variety, Sylvaner, this is classically proportioned and expressive, with excellent balance. Pale lemon in colour with flecks of gold, it offers lifted aromas of quince, red apple and honeysuckle. The palate is dry with white pepper spice and a pithy fruit character from 10 months spent on its lees. Drink now to 2020.
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