Riesling Grand Cru Rosacker 2023 Agapé | Alsace

Domaine Agapé’s Rosacker Grand Cru Riesling represents one of the pinnacles of this family-run wine estate founded by Vincent Sipp, a winemaker from a long line of winemakers with deep roots in Alsace. Nestled on the hillsides of Hunawihr, this wine draws its character from the terroir of the Heitzberg vineyard, part of the Rosacker Grand Cru. Facing due south at an altitude of nearly 340 meters, the Riesling vines grow on very calcareous Muschelkalk soil, which imparts an exceptional mineral tension to the grapes. Under the influence of the continental climate, sheltered by the Vosges Mountains, the grapes ripen slowly, ensuring a balance between acidity and aromatic maturity.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin: Domaine Agapé’s Rosacker Grand Cru Riesling ranks among the most accomplished expressions of this terroir. It stands out for its integrity, its tension, and its disconcerting depth. The minerality is distinct, without excess, and perfectly integrated into the whole. Its finely chiseled salinity makes it a wine for aging and an ideal companion for summer cuisine.

On the nose, the wine is initially marked by a powerful minerality typical of the Rosacker Grand Cru, from which smoky aromas emerge as soon as the bottle is opened. Subtle floral notes of hawthorn and linden bring an almost meditative delicacy, while a hint of licorice adds further complexity.

On the palate, the wine is characterized by a sustained minerality, evident from the very first sip, reflecting the limestone soil of the Rosacker Grand Cru. The acidity enlivens the wine, giving it a precise structure without any harshness. One then perceives smooth, ripe aromas of pear, mirabelle plum, and apricot, which add roundness and a beautiful fullness to the overall profile. The finish unfolds at a leisurely pace on a mouth-watering minerality, hinting at remarkable ageing potential.