Fernand Engel Pinot Blanc “Réserve”
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Organic wine. Sourced from three estate parcels in Rorschwihr and one in Bergheim.
- The vineyard is on dark dark soils on heavy loess rock. Deep sandy-clayey soils.
- East and South East exposure on a gentle slope.
- Suggested serving temperature of 10°C or 50° F.
- Drink now or age 4 years from release.
Varietal Composition: 95% Auxerrois, 5% Pinot Blanc
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: The color is solid yellow, with little orange reflections, limpid. Nice intensity, fruity and ripe, with still young expression of peach, quince, vanilla, and spices. Beautiful fruit ripening. Hot bread in second nose. The mouth is fresh and soft. A very delicate, rounded, and an intense fruity expression. Discreet and refined acidity. Important fruit persistence.
PRESS
2017 – 90 Wine Enthusiast
2018 – 90 Wine Enthusiast
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).