Riesling Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergbieten 2021 Etienne Loew | Alsace

Domaine Etienne Loew 's Riesling Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergbieten has a singular geology, making it one of the highest-quality Rieslings in northern Alsace. Its terroir is composed of red and black marl, with the vines facing due south. The Altenberg de Bergbieten is a heavy terroir that warms up slowly, enabling the vines to ripen slowly and therefore constantly.

The vines are over 30 years old and are rooted deeper into the rock every year. Production of this cuvée is around 2,000 bottles a year.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin : The only Riesling Grand Cru on the Etienne Loew wine estate is the Altenberg de Bergbieten. This very special terroir is very stony and marly, producing wines with minerality and precision. A wine that tastes marvellously young and reveals superb ageing potential of around 15 years.

On the nose, the wine expresses itself generously, with notes of elderflower, licorice, vine peach and lemon. A bewitching, rather exuberant nose.

The palate is crystal-clear and remarkably pure. The tension of the Riesling and the greediness of the Altenberg de Bergbieten terroir are palpable. Floral notes, hints of chamomile and a hint of honeysuckle are present on the finish.