While Edelzwicker (German for 'Noble Blend') is typically a field blend of grapes, this goes beyond, as it is comprised of the finest parcels - blended all into one delicious liter bottle. This is Big Citrus Energy, with hints of white orchard tree flowers, backed by a crisp tartness. Electric lemonade!
We love it with:
Type: White
Vintage: NV
Size: 1 L
Grape: Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Muscat, etc
Region: Alsace, France
Vinification: Matthieu and Marie Boesch are the 11th generation to take charge of this Domaine, which has been in the hands of the family since 1640. Matthieu returned to the domaine in 1999 and worked hand in hand with his father Gérard (a charismatic vigneron who used to run the INAO alongside the late René Renou) experimenting in the cellar and switching to biodynamic viticulture. Their vineyards have since become a haven for the local wildlife, from birds nesting to bees building hives, and fawns taking naps in the shadow of their vines. Although the domaine has grown to 14.5ha, they look after their holdings as if they were their garden, fine-tuning their approach each year to keep progressing. Marked by a Mediterranean-type climate (cicadas, praying mantis and green lizards roam among almond trees, ash oaks, and orchids) the valley is ventilated by fresh air currents throughout the growing season and into the Autumn. The Grand Cru Zinnkoepflé sits proudly in the centre, overlooking the state-of-the-art eco-friendly winery built in 2010 using only (local) natural materials. In the cellar, pressing is long and slow (8 to 12 hours), yeasts are indigenous, and malolactic fermentations are allowed to occur spontaneously rather than being blocked by the addition of sulphur – Matthieu believes there is a better exchange between fine lees and wine without the interaction of sulphur, which is only added in small doses before bottling.