Pinot Gris Grand Cru "Hatschbourg"

Joseph Cattin Pinot Gris Grand Cru “Hatschbourg”

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • This concentrated, full-bodied, off-dry release expresses the unique Grand Cru terroir of Hatschbourg, a site located in the village of Voegtlinshoffen in the Upper Rhine region.
  • Vines are planted on Southeast facing slopes on the foothills of the Vosges Mountains, between 720 and 1,080 ft above sea level. The soil is made of clay, marl and limestone.

Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Gris

Elaboration: Handpicked grapes. Gentle pressing of the grapes. Fermentation between 64°F and 72°F. Ageing in traditional big old oak casks in order to reveal the specificities of its terroir.

Tasting Notes: A gold yellow color. The nose is fruitful and slightly smoky with notes of dried fruits, wax and honey. The acidity balances the honey and cooked apricots notes. Complex and full bodied.

PRESS

2015 – 91 Wine Enthusiast | 91 James Suckling

2016 – 90 Wine Enthusiast

2017 – 90 Wine Enthusiast

PRODUCER BACKGROUND

Cattin is the largest family-owned and family-operated winery in Alsace and located in Voegtlinshoffen, a small village on the foothills of the Vosges Mountains at 1,091 feet in elevation. The Cattin family has been producing wine since 1720 and today the winery is managed by the 12th generation! The estate is composed of many small plots located in the Southern part of the Colmar region and a staggering 80% of their vineyard land is located on slopes. A broad menu of soils (clay, limestone, sandstone, ferruginous, marl…), combined with big time diurnal shifts, means an exceptional palate of aromas and flavors. Cattin uses old oak “foudres” (big barrels) to produce some of the region’s most terroir driven Grand Cru wines such as the legendary Hatschbourg which ranks among the family’s oldest plots. Over the past several decades Crémants have become the house specialty and these are what initially caused us to bang their doors down.