Chateau d’Orschwihr – Riesling Grand Cru “Rangen” 2009

Description

Chateau d’Orschwihr has a long history of producing wine, with records dating back to the 16th century.  The Chateau has been in the Hartmann family since 1854, who have continued the Chateau’s winemaking traditions, and have adopted environmentally friendly and sustainable practices, including using recycled paper for their wine labels, generating their own electricity since 2011 through solar power, and refusing to use toxic chemicals in the vineyard.

The Rangen vineyard is a unique Grand Cru in every sense of the word. It is the most southerly Grand Cru vineyard in Alsace, and one of the highest, and the only one to be entirely on volcanic rock. The wines produced are intensely mineral and long-lived.  Chateau d’Orschwihr’s Riesling “Rangen” is no exception.  Flint and gunpowder on the nose balances the ripe citrus and stone fruit. The high Riesling acidity is not sharp, but well rounded with a salty tang typical of Rangen wines.

This 2009 Riesling is just starting to come into its own, and can easily evolve for another 5-10 years.  Unlike most white wines, we recommend letting this one breathe for 30 minutes to 1 hour before drinking.

Pair with seafood, poultry, sauerkraut, pork knuckle, or goat cheese.