Domaine Marcel Deiss 'Schlossberg' Grand Cru, Alsace, France 2020

Winemaker: Jean-Michel Deiss Farming: Organic (Ecocert), biodynamic (Demeter). 8,000 vines/ha. Variety: Riesling co-planted with other varieties Terroir: Extremely steep, south-facing slope. Cooling influence from western winds. Multiple parcels of terraced vineyards with shallow granitic sand and gravel topsoils. Larger cobbles are removed by hand to build the terraces’ retaining walls. Vinification: Pressed 12+ hours with whole clusters. Ambient yeast fermentation, aged for 12 months on the lees in casks. Light filtration. Tasting Note: Always impressive and long-lasting, this field blend is dry but impactful. Aromas of yuzu, asian pear, fresh gooseberries and wet stone all swirl around the palate. Pair it with a creamy, cheesy baked chicken or an aromatic lemongrass-coconut curry.  About the Winery: No one will argue that Deiss is among the top two or three domaines of Alsace. As to the rest, Jean-Michel Deiss is what the French call, a fouteur de merde, a shit-stirre