Domaine Marcel Deiss : Altenberg de Bergheim Grand cru 2019

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Altenberg de Bergheim Grand Cru 2019 from Domaine Marcel Deiss

Tasting

Colour
The wine displays a particularly brilliant golden-yellow hue with amber highlights. Abundant legs and a thick disc offer visual testimony to the richness of this white wine.

Nose
Spectacularly complex, the bouquet opens with notes of exotic fruit, ripe peach and candied citrus. It then evolves towards subtle hints of honey, orange blossom and sweet spices such as ginger, along with delicate mineral nuances and noble botrytis.

Palate
The attack is powerful and broad, revealing a creamy, seamless texture. The wine's generosity and sweetness are perfectly balanced by vibrant acidity. The tasting concludes with an exceptionally long finish, marked by lovely salinity and very fine tannins.

Food and wine pairings

This white wine pairs beautifully with pan-seared foie gras or foie gras terrine, characterful cheeses such as a well-aged Munster or a blue cheese, and dishes with sweet and savoury flavours. It will also elevate spicy Asian cuisine, such as a lemongrass king prawn stir-fry, as well as fruity desserts like a tarte Tatin.

Serving and ageing

With exceptional ageing potential, this Altenberg de Bergheim Grand Cru 2019 can be cellared and enjoyed until around 2049.

The singular expression of an Alsace Grand Cru by Domaine Marcel Deiss

The estate

Officially founded in 1947 in Bergheim, in the heart of Alsace, Domaine Marcel Deiss is an essential benchmark. Although the family's winegrowing history dates back to the mid-18th century, it was after the Second World War that the estate truly flourished. Today, the domaine is run by Mathieu Deiss, supported by his father Jean-Michel. Covering some forty hectares, the property stands out for its pioneering approach to biodynamics and its fervent championing of co-planting, always placing the authentic expression of the terroir above that of the grape variety.

The vineyard

Located in the famous Ribeauvillé fault field, the terroir of this grand cru rests on a bedrock of hard Jurassic limestone covered with Lias marls. Planted on fairly steep slopes at altitudes of between 220 and 330 metres, the vines benefit from excellent drainage and optimal water reserves. This entire Alsace vineyard is farmed according to certified organic and biodynamic principles, with grapes harvested by hand and without sorting in order to capture the full complexity of the plot.

The vintage

The 2019 vintage was characterised by contrasting weather. Spells of intense heat and drought alternated with rainy periods. These particular climatic conditions favoured excellent ripeness in the berries, while also allowing noble rot to develop partially on some bunches.

Winemaking and ageing

To craft this Altenberg de Bergheim Grand Cru 2019, whole bunches undergo a slow and particularly gentle pressing, followed by light settling. Alcoholic fermentation starts naturally with indigenous yeasts in oak foudres. The wine is then aged on its full lees in these same traditional foudres for around 12 months, without any early racking, thus enhancing the development of its texture.

Grape varieties

This wine is the fruit of a co-planting of thirteen traditional varieties, dominated by at least 60% Riesling, alongside other grapes such as Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Muscat.