2020 Riesling Heissenberg, Domaine Ostertag, Alsace, France
OVERVIEW
This young biodynamic Riesling from arguably the most respected of all producers in Alsace is sure to please even the pickiest of palates. Always full of zippy citrus fruit, this dry Riesling will be drinking well today but its concentration and acidity means it will evolve for another decade into something yet more delightful. An ideal match for meaty fish dishes, creamy sauces and salads alike.
Acclaimed vineyard, Heissenberg (Hot Mountain) is on a south-facing slope with pink Vosges sandstone soil with a gneiss and granitic underlay. This unique exposition and soil, plus fruit from 40 year old vines, make this a particularly complex and well regarded Riesling from one of the regions very best producers.
Surprisingly full bodied, yet zesty and refreshing, this is a complex and dramatic Riesling that can happily be contemplated alone in the glass or be paired with food. The fine tannins here produce a spiciness and minerality that many are sure to enjoy. Full of vim and vigour and overflowing with citrus, the long, powerful finish is the icing on the cake.
CRITIC REVIEWS (PRIOR VINTAGE)
Bright, zesty lemon and wet earth appear simultaneously on the nose. The palate also veers between that earthy texture and the ripeness of the tart lemon, creating tension and drama. It is the dry finish that reveals the depth of the lemon fruit and the richness of texture on this concentrated wine. 95 Points. Anne Krebiehl MW
FOOD PAIRING INSPIRATION
This Riesling would make the ideal dinner party gift and would pair well with any cream based dish, sushi, chicken, tuna, salmon and even roast pork. Highly versatile and aromatic, this wine will delight and yet not overpower lighter dishes.
VINTAGE AND WINEMAKING
All of France was particularly cold at the start of the growing season, winter in Alsace was mild but wet, which meant the vines got off to an quick start; happily and despite this, there was no frost damage and bud burst was successful. Summer was hot and dry as across Europe and yields declined without harming the fruit. The harvest began very early, incredibly early in Alsace with some producers picking in August but most into early September.
PRODUCER NOTES
André Ostertag's domaine is one of the first to pass the lips of wine lovers when asked about producers they rate in Alsace. Often labelled a revolutionary winemaker, his pioneering style pushed the appellation's boundaries, with his constant experimentation and innovation to coax the ultimate expression from his terroir.
Founded in the 1960's, Ostertag has 13 hectares of vines split among 75 plots in five villages. Not one for the rules and formalities of the AOC regulations, Ostertag's passion is teasing the finest expression. André even invented his own classifications for his wines calling them Vins de Pierre for wines he felt reflected his terroir, Vin de Temp for his botrytis wines and Vins de Fruit for his wines that he felt expressed the quintessential nature of the grape varietal.
Most of the wines are fermented dry with a nuanced use of Vosges oak which enhances the traditional Alsatian varietals from the Pinot family, giving them greater depth on the palate.
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SERVICE AND STORAGE TIPS
The wine will evolve over the coming decade and take on some tertiary characteristics of Riesling but can be enjoyed crisp, fresh and young, all hallmarks of this vintage anyway so we'd recommend drinking this wine now-2035.
This wine should be served lightly chilled.
DELIVERY INFORMATION
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Every bottle sold by CoolerSomm is subject to our quality guarantee. If a wine is corked or faulty, we will replace it.
2020 Riesling Heissenberg, Domaine Ostertag, Alsace, France
| Wine Card | |
| Wine Producer | Domaine Ostertag |
| Wine Region | Alsace |
| Wine Classification | Alsace AOC |
| Wine Type | White |
| Grape Variety | Riesling |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Vintage Quality | Outstanding - Parker |
| Maturity | Drinking Now & Will Improve |
| Body | Full Bodied |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Alcohol % | 13.5% |
| Bottle Type | Alsace 75cl |
| Serving Temperature | 7-12°C |
| Food Pairing | Sushi, Chicken, Tuna, Salmon |
| Awards | TBC |
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