Chateau de Riquewihr Pinot Gris Grand Cru Sporen Dopff & Irion 2019

Chateau de Riquewihr Pinot Gris Grand Cru Sporen, Dopff & Irion, Alsace, France, 2019

Grape: 100% Pinot Gris from single Grand Cru vineyard, hand-picked, maturing on fine lees for 4 months, unoaked

Colour: Deep golden yellow, with a hint of emerald, limpid and brilliant.

Nose: Roast pineapple, a hint of tarragon, discreet pomelo and a zest of orange, blond tobacco, honey, grey pepper, mild paprika.

Palate: Medium-sweet, powerful and melted, well balanced between mineralilty, fruity notes and subtle spices. Impressive length.

Food Match: Matches well with oriental and exotic cuisine such as sea scallops with citrus fruits. Fish cooked in banana leaf with coconut milk, honey-flavoured rack of pork, goats cheese and roast grapefruit with honey.

Ageing Potential: 10-15 years

DOPFF & IRION makes its wines from 27 hectares of vines within the district of Riquewihr, a large area considering the usual size of estates in Alsace (60% of production sites cover less than one hectare).

There is no question that the area around Riquewihr is blessed with every possible natural attribute for successful vine cultivation. The climate is such that the grapes ripen slowly. To the west, the Vosges mountains minimise oceanic influences, whilst to the north, the famous Schoenenbourg hill protects the site from cold north winds.

The amazing variety of geological formations in Alsace makes these vineyards some of the most complex in the world. The one at Riquewihr is located on one of the main fissure areas in Alsace. This veritable mosaic of soils and sub-soils (marl, limestone, gypsum, clay, sandstone…..) means that the wines reflect the various types of terroir.