Josmeyer : Riesling Grand cru "Hengst" 2020

Tasting notes and serving suggestions for the Riesling Grand Cru "Hengst" 2020 from Josmeyer

Tasting

Nose

The nose reveals an expressive aromatic palette combining notes of candied citrus and pink grapefruit, lifted by spicy touches and a bright minerality characteristic of the terroir.

Palate

The palate is dense and powerful, driven by a finely chiseled, crystalline acidity. The breadth and definition on the palate are remarkable, with ripe, vibrant substance. Flavors of fresh citrus mingle with notes of infused herbs, while the finish stands out for its chalky persistence, reflecting the mineral imprint of the Grand Cru.

Food and wine pairings

This Riesling Grand Cru "Hengst" 2020 pairs beautifully with delicate fish such as sea bass, turbot, or monkfish, as well as noble shellfish like lobster and spiny lobster. With a few years of cellaring, it also elevates sashimi and aged cheeses such as mature Comté, Gouda, or Parmesan. Creamy poultry dishes and pot-au-feu also make excellent pairings for more evolved bottles.

Serving and cellaring

The Riesling Grand Cru "Hengst" 2020 is ideally enjoyed at a temperature of 12°C. This wine has exceptional aging potential and can be cellared until around 2045-2050.

A powerful, mineral Alsace Grand Cru from Domaine Josmeyer

The estate

Founded in 1854 by Aloyse Meyer in Wintzenheim near Colmar, Domaine Josmeyer carries on five generations of winemaking know-how in Alsace. Now run by Céline Meyer, Isabelle Meyer, and Christophe Ehrhart, this family estate stands out for its matrilineal transmission, rare in the region. A pioneer of biodynamics since 2004, Josmeyer farms 24.4 hectares across 90 parcels, including the prestigious Grand Crus Hengst and Brand, renowned for their minerality and remarkable aging potential.

The vineyard

The Grand Cru Hengst, whose name means "The Stallion", is located in Wintzenheim in Alsace, at 360 meters above sea level with a south/southeast exposure. The 50-year-old Riesling vines take root in a brown limestone soil composed of sandstone, clay, and Oligocene conglomerates resting on Muschelskalk limestone. The estate maintains grass cover every other row and carries out light plowing, in keeping with the principles of organic and biodynamic farming certified by Ecocert and Biodyvin.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for the Riesling Grand Cru "Hengst" 2020 are harvested by hand and then pressed as whole clusters for around 7 hours in a pneumatic press. Fermentation takes place spontaneously thanks to indigenous yeasts in century-old foudres. The wine then rests on fine lees for several months until bottling, generally carried out in July. Filtration is performed.

Grape variety

100% Riesling