2020 Riesling

Domaine Rolly Gassmann, based in the Alsace village of Rorschwihr, is famed for their remarkable collection of older vintages, producing about 300,000 bottles a year but storing and ageing over two million. The Rolly and Gassmann families have made wine in Alsace since the 17th century. Domaine Rolly Gassmann was established in 1967 when the two families were joined by marriage, bringing together 50 hectares of vineyards across the villages of Rorschwihr (40 hectares) and Bergheim (10 hectares). Pierre is now the second generation of his family to make wine at the Domaine.

The grapes for this wine come from parcels planted on clay, marl and limestone soils in the commune of Rorschwihr. All 21 different types of limestone known in the world can be found in the soils of this village, and the sub-soil there is similarly diverse. These soils, and the particular climate of the sites, were discovered by monks who first made wine here over 400 years ago, and today some of their methods are still used; vineyard activity is carried out based on the position of the moon and stars, with grape maturity and picking determined by the ripeness of the pips, as well as the skins. Organic and biodynamic practices are used to manage the vineyards, although they are not certified.

Tasting note: Lemon in colour . On the nose are expressive notes of white blossoms and fresh pineapple. The palate is concentrated and complex, with ripe stone fruit characters, a well-balanced acidity and a touch of salinity on the finish.