Dirler-Cadé : Riesling Grand cru "Kessler" H.W. Élément Feu 2021

Tasting notes and serving recommendations for the Riesling Grand cru "Kessler" H.W. Élément Feu 2021 by Dirler-Cadé

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a bright, crystalline yellow hue with beautiful clarity, reflecting the purity of the raw material and the care taken in vinification.

Nose

The nose is initially discreet, then gradually opens with aeration to reveal delicate umbellifer flowers such as dill and fennel, accompanied by notes of dried herbs reminiscent of thyme and marjoram. Aromas of ripe exotic fruits and citrus, notably lemon zest, enrich the bouquet. A myriad of flavors unfolds progressively, revealing characteristic mineral and aniseed nuances.

Palate

The attack on the palate reveals a pure, mineral, and taut character. The texture is rich yet energetic, balanced by a linear and incisive expression. The body, while substantial, remains slender and never heavy. A vibrant sap-like energy extends through to a finish bursting with vitality and aniseed brightness. The pointillist, aniseed flavors nestle into a soft, generous texture, stretching out with finesse on the finish.

Food and wine pairings

This riesling pairs harmoniously with grilled or roasted premium fish such as sea bass or gilt-head bream, served with light beurre blanc and lemon sauces. It also enhances shellfish such as roasted Breton lobster, scallops in a creamy herb sauce, or grilled partridge stuffed with foie gras. Oysters and mussels marinière also make excellent pairings.

Serving and cellaring

The Riesling Grand cru "Kessler" H.W. Élément Feu 2021 is best enjoyed at a temperature between 50 and 54°F. Decanting is not recommended in order to preserve the delicate minerality of the terroir. Opening the bottle about half an hour before tasting allows for slight aeration. This wine can be enjoyed now and will continue to evolve until around 2035 or even beyond.

An exceptional Alsace riesling from the Grand Cru Kessler

The estate

Founded in 1871 by Jean Dirler in Bergholtz, the Dirler-Cadé estate is now run by Jean and Ludivine Dirler, representing the fifth generation of winemakers. In 2000, the estate adopted its current name following the integration of Ludivine’s family plots, from the Hell-Cadé family of Guebwiller. A pioneer of biodynamics in Alsace since 1998, the estate cultivates 17.5 hectares of vineyards, 42% of which lie on four prestigious grands crus: Saering, Spiegel, Kessler, and Kitterlé. Certified in organic and biodynamic agriculture by Biodyvin since 2001, the estate was awarded three stars in the Guide of La Revue du Vin de France in 2026, recognizing its excellence.

The vineyard

This riesling comes exclusively from the cadastral parcel Heisse Wanne, whose name literally means “hot basin” in Alsatian, located at the heart of the Grand Cru Kessler in Alsace. This parcel benefits from a south-facing exposure and a basin-like configuration that concentrates solar heat while protecting the vines from weather disturbances. The soils derive from the erosion of Vosges pink sandstone of the Buntsandstein, a nearly unique geology in the world that gives the wine remarkable minerality and distinctive salinity. The vines, 63 years old in the 2021 vintage, are cultivated biodynamically with mechanical plowing and the use of biodynamic preparations.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage was marked by a winter characterized by a rare and intense frost episode affecting the entire French vineyard. A milder spring favored flowering at the end of May, followed by particularly rainy months of June and July. Weather instability was observed between mid-July and mid-August, requiring intensive efforts to combat downy mildew. Despite these challenges, the grapes reached optimal ripeness, allowing the production of wines of great quality.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for the Riesling Grand cru "Kessler" H.W. Élément Feu 2021 were harvested by hand, allowing for meticulous selection of the bunches. Vinification took place in tanks using indigenous yeasts. The wine was then aged for 10 months on fine lees in tanks, promoting the development of aromatic complexity and mineral structure. This aging method preserves the purity of the fruit and the authentic expression of the Kessler’s sandstone terroir.

Grape variety

100% riesling.