Domaine Weinbach : Pinot Noir Altenbourg 2023

Tasting notes and characteristics of the Domaine Weinbach Pinot Noir "Altenbourg" 2023

Tasting

Appearance

Displaying a beautiful red hue, this wine reveals a remarkable brilliance.

Nose

The bouquet proves delicate and fragrant, unfolding aromas of fresh red berries such as cherry, strawberry and redcurrant. Subtle floral notes reminiscent of rose petals further enrich this aromatic palette.

Palate

The attack is fresh and immediate, underpinned by a fine acidity that brings lasting energy. The palate unfolds a texture with smooth, perfectly integrated tannins. Light to medium-bodied, this wine stands out for its finesse and elegance.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs harmoniously with delicate poultry dishes such as roast chicken with herbs or turkey served with mushrooms. It also goes very well with freshwater fish such as trout or salmon, as well as springtime dishes featuring fresh vegetables or regional specialities such as a light fish-based sauerkraut.

The authentic expression of an Alsace Pinot Noir crafted by Domaine Weinbach

The estate

Founded in 1612 by Capuchin monks, Domaine Weinbach is a historic figure in the viticulture of Alsace, in north-eastern France. Seized during the Revolution, it was acquired in 1898 by the Faller brothers. Today, Catherine Faller runs the estate, supported by her sons Théo and Eddy Leiber-Faller. The vineyard extends across 38 hectares spread over numerous plots. A pioneer of biodynamics, the estate tends its vines with the utmost respect for the environment, producing wines that faithfully reflect their terroirs.

The vineyard

Located in Alsace, just below the Furstentum terroir, the Altenbourg lieu-dit enjoys a privileged geographical setting. The vines thrive on a steep, due-south-facing slope, encouraging optimal grape ripening. The brown limestone soils, with their gravelly structure composed of marl and sandstone, give this terroir a singular geological identity, ideally suited to crafting wines of distinctive minerality.

The vintage

2023 stands out as a particularly favourable year for the region's red grape varieties. The weather conditions allowed the berries to reach optimal phenolic ripeness, yielding a healthy and balanced harvest.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for the Pinot Noir "Altenbourg" 2023 are harvested by hand. In the cellar, they undergo a week-and-a-half cold pre-fermentation maceration to gently extract colour and aromas. This is followed by a classic three-week maceration with indigenous yeasts. After a delicate pressing, the wine is aged for fifteen months in 228-litre Burgundian oak barrels, including 30% new oak, with no fining prior to bottling.

Grape variety

Pinot Noir (100%).