Domaine Marcel Deiss : Langenberg 2021

From a granite terroir in Saint-Hippolyte, the 2021 Langenberg "La longue colline" opens with a pure, intense lemony bouquet of ripe fruits including pineapples intermingled with a saline stoniness. Lush, savory and fresh on the palate, this is an intense but lean and elegant, linear and stimulating, mineral Riesling with a fine tannin structure and notes of hazelnut blossoms on the saline and dry finish. This is still a young Riesling, but it has very good potential. 13.5% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted at the domaine in April 2024.

Complex nose of all shades of citrus with plenty of bergamot, but also notes of dried tarragon and thyme. At once rich, compact and racy on the medium- to full-bodied palate, this has excellent citrusy energy and stony minerality at the very long, driving finish. Tastes riesling-like, but is actually a field blend of local varieties. From organically grown grapes with Ecocert certification. Drink or hold.

So much freshness, vibrancy, and energy in this bouquet! It certainly owes these traits to its granitic soils. The saline attack only confirms what the bouquet promises. The wine is lively, mouthwatering, elegant, and flavorful.