Furstentum Riesling

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Paul Blanck & Fils - http://www.blanck.com

2010-09-06

Furstentum Riesling - 2004
Les Vins de Terroir - LES GRANDS CRUS

Splendid wine of breed and desire, pleasing [affable] loving to go out and meet others.

Terroir:

Furstentum lies at 400m altitude, facing due south.
It is one of the last remaining vestiges of the sub-Mediterranean era which Alsace experienced.
The soil is very stony and drains well because the calcareous bedrock breaks through.

Vinification:

The juice is extracted with infinite care in our air-bag press. The slow, gentle pressing avoids crushing the stalks and pips.
The must starts fermenting of its own accord thanks to the natural yeast present in the juice, and the fermentation generally lasts from 4 to 10 weeks. It is carried out in stainless-steel vats equipped with temperature control, a medium which maximises the expression of this variety's aromas.

Elevage:

The wine is matured on its lees in large oak barrels for 12 months.
This lees-contact contributes richness to the wine. What is more, the oxygen which passes through the pores of the wood brings about a gentle oxidization of the wine, and the subsequent opening up of its aromas.
The wine is then bottled and aged for 2 to 3 further years before being offered for sale.
This bottle-ageing also plays a role in the wine's development. Here, the opposite of oxidization happens: thanks to certain reactions in the oxygen-free environment, the bouquet develops and takes on subtler nuances.

Tasting note:

- Fine colour, light golden yellow, between thatch-gold and straw-gold. Lovely ample tints.Nose still somewhat reticent but typical of the vineyard, with smells of boxwood, broom, seringa, jasmine… overlying a fine, stylish mineral quality, discernible yet not excessive (a fault for which certain proud Rieslings are so often blamed).Relatively clearcut, regular attack. Not physically overwhelming, but the wine certainly has presence and good structure; elegance and spirit… affirmative and positive.Both subtle and strong flavours. Fish of character, such as sea-bream, sea-perch, sea-bass or grey mullet, pike or pike-perch, will provide a tasty dialogue for it. T: 11°C.
Splendid wine of breed and desire, pleasing [affable]… loving to go out and meet others

-Clear Colour and intense with green reflections, smooth and clear.
Pleasant nose with notes of exotic fruits and white fruits on a floral and herbaceous edge.
On the palate ; vivid and fresh. Recalling Flavors on the Palate: perceived on the nose.
Harmonious and balanced Final a good length.
A powerful wine from a skilled winemaking
Philippe BLANCK , October 4, 2008

When & with what:

As it stands, given its immaturity we recommend drinking it as an aperitif or with starters, terrines, fish, or typical Alsacian dishes like sauerkraut or hot-pot.
In the years to come, it will be a perfect match for warm sea-perch mousseline or delicately-flavoured fish, and eventually for grilled fish.

References:

- Note 91 - Deep greenish-yellow color. Somewhat exotic aromas of pineapple, stone, smoke and menthol, plus a whiff of banana. Rich, broad and deep, with a dryness that comes as a surprise after the nose. Combines noteworthy density with a light touch (this is the highest in alcohol of these grand cru rieslings by a full degree, at 13.7%). Still, the flavors here are more exotic, with dominant pineapple in the middle palate and finishing notes of honey and hazelnut. A chewy, tactile, terroir-driven wine, from fruit harvested on the late side. The longest of these 2004 rieslings.
Nov/Dec 06- By Stephen Tanzer