Pierre Frick - Gewurztraminer "Steiner" 2014

Country: France Region: Haut-Rhin, Alsace Appellation: Appellation Alsace Contrôlée Grape variety: 100% Gewürztraminer Style: Direct press ABV: 14.3% by vol, with 6.4g/L residual sugar Terroir: With an eastern exposure south of Pfaffenheim, the Steinert is the steepest vineyard in the municipality. It's dry and porous soil is composed primarily of limestone. Given its geological background, the area requires the use of a rootstock highly resistant to active limestone and drought--and thus not very vigorous--and contains a majority of Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Riesling varieties. Farming: Dry-farmed. Certified biodynamic. Harvest: By hand, end of September 2014. Vinification: Direct press, without any pre-maceration. Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts. Aging on fine lees. No fining or filtration. Blended at the end of July 2015. Aging: 10 months in Alsatian foudre Sulfur added: Once, at bottling (estimated 30mg/L). Notes: Since 1150 AD, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Basel and Strasbourg, along with the Benedictine convent of Muri in Switzerland, owned the vineyards of this unique lieu-dit, and served the wines to the pilgrims and bishops of the communities. Wines from the Steinert are characterized by developed and complex aromas, which are especially enhanced upon aging. Amber yellow in color, with aromas of whiskey, mandarin, stewed peach with honey and a touch of wild thyme. Despite a hint of residual sugar, the mouth feel is dry, tonic and spiced with pronounced power and saline finish.