Riesling Muenchberg 1982 Grand Cru Ostertag | Alsace

Grand Cru Muenchberg is one of the highest-quality terroirs to be found in Alsace today. It combines richness, finesse and depth. It translates into French as "La Montagne des Moines". This is one of the oldest vineyards in Alsace. It has been cultivated since the ^12th century by Cistercian monks. The Muenchberg Grand Cru is unique in that it lies at an altitude of between 250 and 300 meters, which helps to offset the excessive temperatures that can occur in some years in Alsace. André Ostertag, the winemaker, has nothing but praise for his "baby" , which gives exceptional results whatever the vintage.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin: The Riesling Grand Cru Muenchberg from the Ostertag wine estate is an integral part of the Alsace wine landscape. It's one of the wines that has put Alsace's terroirs and vineyard know-how on the map. André Ostertag is one of the very best in the business. He succeeds in transcribing terroir into his wines with brio. The result is breathtaking: the definition of terroir is perfect, withrare precision.

On the nose, lightly smoky notes of fresh flowers, orange peel and a hint of mirabelle plum. Then, after oxygenation, more exotic notes of pineapple, passion fruit and lime.

The palate has great depth, the fruit is perfect and the salinity that comes on the finish to bring freshness and complexity overwhelms me. A slap in the mouth, a great wine already! Young but with immense potential.

The wine's clarity and precision make it one of Alsace's finest Rieslings. The aging potential is incredible, easily over 15 years or even more in cooler years.