When that Riesling feeling hits, no other sip will do. I recently opened a beautiful bottle produced by a 9th generation family winery in Alsace: Domaine Sipp Mack Riesling Grand Cru Rosacker 2015 ($49). Located in the northeast of France, Alsace is one of the world’s most geologically diverse wine regions. 13 distinct soil types have been identified in Alsace and each imparts a distinct fingerprint on the flavor of the wines. The grapes for Domaine Sipp Mack Riesling grew in limestone soil, which imbues the wines with vibrant lemony flavors and snappy minerality. This is a dry Riesling but the fruit sings. In addition to Meyer lemon, I taste white peach, a hint of honeycomb, and a kiss of salinity.
My adventures in Riesling from Alsace continued with Wolfberger Riesling Grand Cru Rangen 2016 ($57). Rangen is Alsace's southernmost Grand Cru and the only one located on volcanic soils. Rangen’s mineral-rich soils enrich the grapes with an elegant intensity. Rangen means slope in Old German and some of the vineyards are so steep that they are harvested by rappelling down. Wolfberger Riesling Grand Cru is a more muscular, yet very refined, dry Riesling with power, tension, and the bold minerality one expects from volcanic soils. Flavors of preserved lemon, grapefruit, and pear mesh nicely with hints of savory herbs and soft mint. This a Riesling that will age beautifully!