Albert Boxler : Riesling Grand cru "Brand" 2023

Characteristics and Tasting Advice for the Riesling Grand Cru "Brand" 2023 from Albert Boxler

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a pale yellow to golden hue, bright and luminous.

Nose

The bouquet reveals remarkable aromatic complexity dominated by ripe citrus fruits, notably citron, pink grapefruit and fresh mandarin. These notes mingle with a delicate floral register of mimosa, elderflower, chamomile and linden blossom. Touches of white stone fruits such as peach and mirabelle plum are accompanied by exotic and honeyed nuances. A profound mineral dimension evokes warm stone and flint, with a subtle petroleum note characteristic of great rieslings.

Palate

The attack is ample and generous, almost fleshy, before the structure of the wine unfolds. A crystalline and penetrating acidity runs through the palate, perfectly integrated with the ripe fruit and minerality. The mid-palate develops continuous aromatic complexity, where impressions of citrus and flowers are enriched by saline sensations that reflect the granitic terroir. The finish stretches out at length on a persistent saline minerality with a light phenolic framework suggesting excellent aging potential.

Food and wine pairings

This riesling pairs beautifully with delicate fish such as sole or sea bass prepared with light butter or lemon sauces. It also harmonizes with seafood, particularly crab, lobster and scallops. Asian cuisines with moderate spices, especially Thai and Vietnamese, find in it an ideal partner. Alsatian specialties such as fine charcuterie and munster create remarkable pairings. Light poultry preparations and fresh vegetables with herbs complete the range of successful matches.

Service and cellaring

The Riesling Grand Cru "Brand" 2023 can be enjoyed from 2026 and will keep until around 2039. Decanting for about one hour is recommended during the early years to allow the wine to fully express its bouquet. The ideal serving temperature is between 10 and 12°C. Storage in a cool, dark cellar, between 10 and 15°C, with bottles laid horizontally, will ensure optimal evolution.

An Alsace riesling combining solar generosity and mineral precision

The estate

The Domaine Albert Boxler was founded in 1946 when Albert Boxler decided to bottle his wines himself rather than sell them to the wine trade. Located in Niedermorschwihr in Haut-Rhin, the estate now covers 19 hectares of vineyards. Jean Boxler, who took over the family property in 1996, continues a winemaking tradition dating back to 1673. Recognized as one of the finest winemakers in France, he has managed the vineyard under certified organic farming since 2003. His philosophy favors the artistic expression of terroir and a sensitive approach to vineyard work, producing age-worthy wines of remarkable complexity and great mineral finesse.

The vineyard

The Riesling Grand Cru "Brand" comes from plots located on the slopes above Turckheim. This granitic terroir, composed of biotite with two varieties of mica, benefits from a particularly favorable south to southeast exposure. The slopes range between 250 and 380 meters in altitude, creating varied microclimatic conditions. The influence of the Munster winds and the protection of the Vosges give the Brand an early-ripening and warm character. The soils, poor in organic matter, force the vines to root deeply into the mineral substrate, producing grapes of exceptional concentration and minerality.

The vintage

The 2023 vintage in Alsace was rated 4 stars out of 5, reflecting a very fine year. The relatively warm and sunny summer, punctuated by rainfall at the right moments, allowed the vines to maintain vigor without excessive water stress. The naturally early-ripening and warm terroir of Brand benefited from particularly favorable conditions, allowing riesling to reach optimal physiological maturity while preserving essential acidity. Conditions in September refined ripeness, resulting in a harvest carried out under sunny skies.

Vinification and aging

The harvest for the Riesling Grand Cru "Brand" 2023 is carried out entirely by hand, with rigorous selection of clusters at optimal ripeness. The grapes undergo gentle whole-cluster pressing for about six hours, preserving aromatic finesse. Fermentation occurs naturally thanks to indigenous yeasts in old century-old oak foudres. Aging continues on fine lees for more than twelve months, allowing gradual evolution and the development of complexity. No bâtonnage, fining or filtration is performed, respecting the natural expression of the terroir. Bottling takes place at the end of the summer following the harvest.

Grape variety

100% riesling