La Fontaine aux Enfants Pinot Blanc 2022 Marc Kreydenweiss | Alsace

On the heights of Andlau in Alsace, Marc Kreydenweiss 's cuvée La Fontaine aux Enfants rises from the granite plateau behind the Grand Cru Kastelberg. On these poor, draining granite soils , the combination of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Auxerrois naturally balances tension and complexity. In this area, which is cooler and less exposed than the neighboring slopes, the vines benefit from a northerly aspect and high altitude (between 300 and 310 meters), which harmoniously temper ripeness. Here, Domaine Marc Kreydenweiss practises careful biodynamic viticulture, working the soil entirely with horses and paying constant attention to microbial life. The grapes are slowly pressed in whole bunches, before fermentation on indigenous yeasts and a thorough malolactic fermentation. Ageing continues for 23 months on lees in oak casks.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin : This Alsace La Fontaine aux Enfants from Marc Kreydenweiss occupies a singular place in the wine estate's range, thanks to its profile set back from the most pronounced sun exposures. This is a cuvée of restraint and precision, where freshness and verticality guide the reading of the terroir with remarkable crystalline vivacity. The choice of long ageing in tuns gives the depth of the granite a serene foundation for a fine evolution in the cellar.

The nose opens with delicate notes of white flowers and yellow fruit, including pear, mirabelle plum and peach in syrup. Slightly smoky mineral touches add further concentration to this airy, fresh bouquet.

On the palate, the chiseled acidity of the granite stretches the fruit flavors with its characteristic straightness. The wine's mineral structure is imprinted with a fine smokiness, enhanced by ageing and discreet notes of roasted almonds. The crystalline balance of the whole gives the wine an airy, lively profile, where delicacy and freshness envelop the palate in a long, fruity persistence. A greatAlsace white!