Domaine Rietsch Pas a Pas Alsace White NV

Country: France

Region: Alsace

Type: White Wine

Grape: Savagnin Rose

This wine began somewhat as an experiment, due to a stuck fermentation (indigenous yeasts, cold winters) back in 2011. Rietsch waited for the residual sugar to recommence for a couple of years, but it never did, so he added some 2013 juice to restart the ferment. He then added 2015 whole cluster wine a couple of years later, where it finished its fermentation. Thus, a sort-of solera system began, and Rietsch plans to continue replacing the volume that is bottled with juice from new vintages to continue the solera. Savagnin Rose is related to Gewurztraminer, but produces wines similar to Savagnin (blanc). No added sulfur.

Intense aromas of golden pear, green apple, apricot, grapefruit, honeysuckle, and bergamot meet notes of almond and sea salt on the palate, with bright acidity. This is a beautifully balanced, unique wine.