Alsace Riesling Grand Cru Hengst Josmeyer (Domaine) 2008

Lot presentation

Alsace Riesling Grand Cru Hengst Josmeyer (Domaine) 2008

The wine

The Hengst Grand Cru vineyards are situated on a 360 metre hillside, offering a composite marly limestone terroir. The soil composition is often compared to Chambertin in Burgundy; these conditions exalt the Pinot Gris which produces this cuvée. The fruit is matured in 100 year-old oak barrels or stainless steel vats, culminating in a wine with a beautiful burnished clarity and loads of fruit on the nose, including ripe white fruit accented by a hint of vanilla. A pure, unctuous mouthfeel leads to a lingering saline finish. This cuvée pairs perfectly with flavours of the sea, especially shellfish.

Situated near Colmar, Domaine Josmeyer extends to some 24.4 hectares and has been certified organic and biodynamic since 2004. They grow all the great Alsatian grape varieties, which are evenly distributed over the estate’s 90 plots. The property is home to some beautiful vineyards such as Herrenweg and Rorenberg, along with two of the most distinguished Grand Crus in Alsace: Hengst and Brand.
The two sisters at the head of this family estate, which was founded in 1854, are the 5th generation to run it. Céline manages the property and the work in the vines while Isabelle oversees vinification, allowing Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Sylvaner and Pinot Noir to shine. The dry wines reveal a remarkable purity and the grand crus are mineral and saline. The French wine magazine Bettane & Desseauve say that Josmeyer’s wines have “light and refined palates that are fresh and chiselled”.