2024 Julien Schaal Riesling Grand Cru Schoenenbourg

The Riesling presents itself with a pale to medium lemon color, hinting at its vibrancy and youthful character. On the nose, the wine exudes a fragrant and complex bouquet. Aromas of ripe citrus fruits, such as lemon and grapefruit, mingle with subtle floral notes, often reminiscent of white flowers. There might be a hint of stone fruit, like peach or apricot, adding a touch of sweetness to the aromatic profile. As you take the first sip, the Riesling reveals its hallmark acidity, providing a refreshing and lively sensation on the palate. The taste is crisp and precise, with pronounced citrus flavors dominating. The acidity is well-balanced, contributing to a bright and zesty character.The finish is long and persistent, leaving a lasting impression of citrus zest and minerality. There may be a touch of residual sweetness, enhancing the overall complexity and providing a harmonious balance.

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Viticulture

Resting upon soils of Keuper marl, dolomite rock, and gypsum, these grounds are abundant in enriching elements that boast excellent water retention properties. They provide Riesling wines with additional structure and depth, as well as flavors of ripe fruit, and stone fruits with delicate acidity. To the north of Riquewihr, the vineyards run along the south and south-east side of Schoenenbourg, between 265 and 380m in altitude, on a rather steep slope

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Vinification

The grapes undergo manual harvesting and are then pressed as whole bunch. After a prolonged and gentle pressing, the juice is moved to tanks for a delicate static settling process. The gradual, cool, natural fermentation extends for up to three months, followed by several months of aging. These meticulous steps contribute to capturing and preserving the authentic "sense of place". The winery consistently aim to prevent malolactic fermentation to safeguard the aromas and inherent freshness naturally present in the wine.

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Recommendation

The versatility of Riesling allows it to pair well with a range of poultry dishes. The acidity complements the richness of the meat. Riesling's versatility makes it a great match for the complexity of flavors often found in Asian fusion cuisine.