Alsace
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| The Family |
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| Located on the hillsides of Dambach-la-ville in the Alsace region of northeastern France, the Mersiol family heritage dates back to the 18th century. The first bottle has been sold in 1946. In 1960, the Estate was expended with the marriage of Guy Mersiol to Anne-Lise Ruhlmann whose family owned an adjoining Estate. These wines are now sold as “Domaine Mersiol”. 12 hectares are now planted; 3.5 of which are classified as Grand Cru Frankstein. All wines are Estate grown, vinified and bottled. Joined by their son Stéphane in 2000, the Estate is now cultivated on an organic way (started in 2006) to extract the delicate minerality from our terroir made out of granite. The family firmly believe that the quality of their wine depends above all on the quality of the vines, they cultivate the vineyards in an ecological way without any use of herbicides, pesticides or any chemical fertilizer. In order to fertilize the soils, they have theuir own flock of sheep that takes cares of the vineyards after the harvest. 100% organic vines & wines (Ecocert certification) their ecological production management system promotes and enhances biodiversity, paying particular attention to the health of the soil. This biodiversity makes for excellent soil structure by providing a complex root system at varied depths. These roots (as well as their breakdown) provide organic material and aerate the soil. This in turn promotes microbial activity. |
| The Sommelier notes: |
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| [x] In 1976, when the appellation “Grand Cru Frankstein” commenced, it was awarded to the best terroir of the region. It is limited to 56 hectares of land between 220 and 310 meters in altitude, facing southeast for maximum morning sunshine. The soil is granite in origin, ensuring the vines retain warmth and have good drainage. Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer and ideally suited to Frankstein growing conditions. These wines are at their best after a few years cellaring. Riesling is delicate, mineral and offers intense yet fine floral aromas. [x] During a three-year cycle, we use a tool for mechanically cutting the grass between vines and rows (working on every other row). During the fourth year we then till the soil (also using an “inter-vine” method) in order to avoid too much competition between the plants and the vines. This scheme can be adapted to suit the age of the vines and the type of soil. [x] We only manipulate the superficial layer of the soil to preserve its original structure. In order to maintain the balance achieved, we avoid packing our soil wherever possible (use of light machinery – small crawler tractor, quad bike, low-pressure tyres – and optimization of movement within the vineyards). With the benefit of controlled growth and microbial activity, the vines become less susceptible to parasites. [x] The plants growing in our vineyards – proof that the soil is healthy and well-balanced – are often edible: lamb’s lettuce, Queen Anne’s lace, bear’s garlic, dandelion, horse mint, many-flowered onion, etc. Other plants include clover, vetch, camomile, chickweed, wild tulips, two varieties of daisies, bluebells, cornflowers, poppies, carnations, veronica, wild pansies, violets, etc. [x] 30 year old vines [x] 45 Acres [x] Double Guyot pruning [x] hand picked [x] Vinification : cold static clarification during 48 hours after pressing. Slow regulated fermentation in stainless steel between 15 and 18°C during 1 month with wild yeast. [x] Tasting: A dry, lively and refreshing Riesling with elegant lime, grapefruit an peach aromas. The typical minerality from the terroir brings purity to the palate. The final is zesty, giving an aromatic complexity and finesse. [x] Food matching: A perfect gastronomic wine to accompany oysters, fish, shellfish, seafood, and, of course, Alsace Choucroute. (”Coq au Riesling”, ”Clams with Lemon Grass”, ”Lemon Dill Fish”, ”Wrapped Trout with Rosemary”…) [x] 92 p Wine Enthusiast [x] Technical analysis: Alcohol : 11,90% vol., Residual sugar : 8,90g/L, Tartaric acidity : 6,75g/L |
