Pinot Gris Hinterburg de Katzenthal 2019 Meyer-Fonné | Alsace

Domaine Meyer-Fonné's Pinot Gris Hinterburg de Katzenthal embodies a rare and refined expression of Pinot Gris in Alsace, brought to life by one of the vineyard's most singular terroirs: Hinterburg, in Katzenthal. This craggy site, carved out of ancient, heavily weathered granite, is distinguished by its steep terraces and intense sun exposure. It offers ideal ripening conditions for the production of concentrated, luminous and deep sweet wines. The Meyer-Fonné wine estate cultivates 30-year-old Pinot Gris vines here, following organic viticulture principles (in conversion in 2019), with rigorous work aimed at achieving maximum concentration in the berries, without forgoing the natural freshness of the site. The resulting fruit gives rise to a cuvée with a generous but always balanced profile, marked by the saline, crystalline signature of the granite. The winemaking process respects the balance between concentration and freshness: hand harvesting at full maturity, delicate pressing, slow fermentation with indigenous yeasts, and prolonged ageing in foudres on lees. The result is a mellow white wine of great purity, harmoniously expressing ripe fruit, fine spices and a subtle salinity, the signature of granite, without ever tipping over into sweet excess.

Philippe Mischler sommelier at Mundovin: Katzenthal's Pinot Gris Hinterburg is a must-have in Alsace for lovers of sweet wines. It combines density, elegance and immediate pleasure, while retaining remarkable freshness despite its residual sugar. Its refined balance, gourmet aromatic depth and mineral typicity make it a critically acclaimed wine, equally appreciated as an aperitif or with a sophisticated dessert.

The nose exudes a complex palette of acacia honey and roasted almond, mingling with the exotic freshness of Victoria pineapple and the tangy roundness of candied apricot. This wine has additional potential that only a few years in the cellar will reveal.

The palate is rich and enveloping, perfectly balanced by fresh, structuring acidity. Far from excessive sweetness or exuberance, the overripe flavors oscillate delicately between pear and pineapple in syrup, beeswax, milk caramel and dried fruit. The silky texture is almost luxurious, supported by a saline, persistent finish with subtle accents of smoky underbrush and sweet spices. This mellow Alsatian wine is as seductive as it is elegant.