Fernand Engel Pinot Gris "Cuvee Engel"

Fernand Engel Pinot Gris “Cuvée Engel”

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • Sourced from three estate parcels in Bergheim on dark chalky soils on hard calcareous subsoil and Oligocene marly subsoil. East exposition on a gentle slope.

Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Gris

Elaboration: Direct pneumatic pressing with whole bunch of grapes, cold settling of the must : 8-10°C, yeast addition, cool control during alcoholic fermentation about 18-20°C, air racking, ageing on lees about 6 to 8 months, late clarification (before bottling), very fine filtration before bottling.

Tasting Notes:  Gold yellow, with orange reflection, limpid. Relatively young, open nose. Smoky and peppery chief characteristic. Second smell of exotic fruits, of vanilla, liquorice and caramel. Overripe aromas (quince and barley sugar), Botrytis expression. Suave first impression, important savour, nice and intensive freshness, light carbonic perception due to its youth. Heady, heavy and fleshy wine. Intensive vanilla, liquorice and ripe fruit bouquet. Powerful and round.

PRESS

N/A

PRODUCER BACKGROUND

This renowned Domaine, France’s largest biodynamic estate, is situated in the village of Rorschwihr, north of the city of Colmar. The Domaine is a true family affair, being run by the third generation since 1998, with the second generation still at hand for guidance. The young Xavier Baril and wife Sandrine Engel have set the target high: Their aim is to become the best estate in all of Alsace.

The Domaine possesses 52 hectares of vineyard in 7 different communities and in 150 different plots – A true mosaic of terroirs! The results are remarkable: wines that glisten when it comes to pureness, elegance, finesse and balance. In the past several years vineyards have been acquired in Grands Crus; the Domaine now produces a Grand Cru Riesling in the Praelatenberg vineyard (Kintzheim), a Grand Cru Gewurztraminer in the Altenberg vineyard (Bergheim) and a Grand Cru Pinot Gris in the Gloeckelberg (Rodern and St. Hippolyte).

PRINT SHELF TALKER