Magnum Riesling Kastelberg Grand Cru 2021 Marc Kreydenweiss | Alsace

The Riesling Kastelberg from the Marc Kreydenweiss wine estate is a majestic expression of a terroir unique in Alsace, particularly remarkable for its Steige schists. This vineyard, one of the oldest and most renowned in the region, is characterized by an impressive gradient of up to 75%, forcing the winemakers to meticulous and demanding work. With its brown soils and southern exposure, the Kastelberg offers extraordinary aromatic and mineral power to Riesling, reinforcing its vibrant, spicy character and enabling a profound expression of the vintage.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin : Covering less than 6 hectares, Kastelberg is one of Alsace's smallest grands crus, but it's also one of the oldest and most famous, thanks to the incredible personality it gives to the wine. This "mountain of terraces", from the Alsatian "caschte" meaning terrace, was already mentioned in the 11th century for the quality of the wines it produces. The winemaking, led by Antoine Kreydenweiss, is carried out with total respect for this terroir: an extended ageing period of two years in tuns reinforces the structure and complexity of this exceptional wine. The resulting Riesling is dense and elegant, with intense, smoky minerality and predominantly stony accents.

The powerful, mineral nose is marked by notes of volcanic rock, pumice and smoke. As it opens, it reveals a palette of spices: cardamom, gray pepper, cloves and a touch of incense. Delicate fruit notes such as poached apple, pear and a hint of citrus gradually emerge, softening the imposing mineral character.

On the palate, fullness and structure are the order of the day, carried by acidity and minerality that prolong the wine into an almost infinite finish. Aromas of exotic fruits, such as mango and peach, mingle with the spices detected on the nose, with additional touches of cumin and green pepper.