Mambourg grand cru 2019 (Marcel Deiss)

Cellar for up to 20 years. Serve chilled. The Deiss family have been making wine in Alsace for generations, with the earliest record of the family dating back to 1744 in the village of Bergheim. Since taking over from his father, Jean Michel has successfully turned their estate into one of Alsace’s most promising producers. He’s regarded as a bit of a maverick winemaker thanks to his unconventional methods which include replanting forgotten indigenous Alsatian varieties which are not authorised for use under the appellation regulations. Jean Michel has also replanted many of his Grand Cru sites with a range of different grape varieties which he uses to make field blends like this Mambourg Grand Cru. It's a complex cuvee of Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc, and the very rare Pinot Beurot grown in an area that has been known for its elegant, long-lived wines since as early as 783. What makes this appellation special is the magnesium-rich limestone soils and hillside setting which helps produce graceful yet powerful wines. On the nose there are complex layers of ripe stone fruit, zesty citrus, mineral notes and hints of white flowers which linger in the glass. The first sip reveals a bright acidity balanced by a smooth texture and intense finish with plenty of rich fruit. A great gastronomic wine which can be paired with roast chicken, pan-fried fish, truffle-base dishes, and most cheeses.