Valentin Zusslin : Riesling Grand cru "Pfingstberg" 2019

Characteristics and tasting advice for the 2019 Riesling Grand Cru "Pfingstberg" from Valentin Zusslin

Tasting

Appearance

The wine shows a pale yellow hue with golden highlights.

Nose

The nose reveals an intense, pure minerality, recalling chalk and flint. Subtle floral notes accompany aromas of fresh citrus, notably lemon and lime, lending the bouquet great freshness.

Palate

On the palate, this Riesling stands out for its pronounced, vibrant acidity, characteristic of Alsace’s great dry wines. The lemony attack evolves into a rich, creamy texture, creating remarkable balance. Minerality dominates the palate with an almost saline dryness, culminating in an exceptionally long, lingering finish. Powerful, precise and concentrated, this wine displays a vertical structure that speaks to its ageing potential.

Food and wine pairings

This dry Riesling is an ideal match for seafood with ginger and spring onions, a pork shank terrine with piccalilli, or a Holstein schnitzel. It also pairs perfectly with simply prepared firm-fleshed fish finished with lemon, as well as traditional Alsatian charcuterie.

Serving and cellaring

This 2019 Riesling Grand Cru "Pfingstberg" will gain in complexity with several years of bottle ageing. The best vintages from this terroir can improve for 10 to 20 years.

An Alsatian Riesling of exceptional minerality from the Grand Cru Pfingstberg

The estate

Founded in 1691, Domaine Valentin Zusslin is based in Orschwihr, between Colmar and Mulhouse. Farming 16 hectares of vines, this family estate is now run by Marie and Jean-Paul Zusslin, representing the thirteenth generation. A pioneer of biodynamics in Alsace since 1997, the estate is certified ECOCERT, DEMETER and BIODYVIN. Recognized among the world’s finest biodynamic producers, the estate favors quality over quantity.

The vineyard

Grand Cru Pfingstberg benefits from an ideal microclimate with a southeast exposure at around 300 meters above sea level. Sheltered from heavy rainfall by the Vosges peaks, this historic terroir—mentioned as early as 1299—rests on sandstone, marl and limestone soils. A forest covers the top of the hillside, ensuring regular hydration for the vines. The steep slopes required the construction of terraces supported by sandstone walls. The estate practices respectful biodynamic viticulture, with yields deliberately limited to 25 hectoliters per hectare, encouraging concentration and the expression of the terroir in Alsace.

The vintage

The 2019 vintage benefited from contrasting weather conditions that allowed for optimal ripening of the grapes. Marked temperature differences between day and night promoted the development of acidity and aromatic concentration, essential characteristics of this high-altitude terroir.

Winemaking and ageing

The grapes for the 2019 Riesling Grand Cru "Pfingstberg" are harvested by hand in several successive passes to select only clusters at ideal ripeness. After rigorous sorting, the bunches are gently pressed for more than ten hours. The must is transferred by gravity to the fermentation vats. Alcoholic fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts, without the addition of oenological products. The wine then rests on fine lees in large Vosges oak foudres for 12 to 24 months, allowing slow oxygenation and harmonious fermentation. Intervention is kept to a minimum prior to bottling.

Grape variety

100% Riesling