Weinbach Alsace MV0 Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris

Biodynamic in conversion. Weinbach’s striking skin contact release is drawn from a parcel of vines in the Vogelgarten vineyard (the bird’s garden) between the Grand Crus of Furstentum and Mambourg. It’s a blend of 70% Gewürztraminer and 30% Pinot Gris from an east-facing incline of marl and limestone.

Here, the steep slope optimises exposure to the sun, producing the kind of opulent Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris—with great aromatic complexity—that Eddy Faller felt would suit a skin contact style right down to the ground.

Following three weeks on skins with indigenous yeasts, it is aged for eight months on gross lees in foudre. There were no added sulphites at any stage.

This is the third release, and it is undoubtedly the finest so far. The knockout aromas take in amaro, blood orange and orange rind, while the palate is potent and fleshy, with grapefruit and watermelon dovetailing with crunchy freshness and grippy phenolic pucker. All this flavour and texture tapers to a long, salty close. Boom!