Gérard Schueller Pinot Noir Le Chant des Oiseaux 2018

Domaine Schueller works in Alsace, in north-east France, farming biodynamically and making wine with minimal intervention. Le Chant des Oiseaux is a Pinot Noir raised in barrel. Alsace sits in the rain shadow of the Vosges mountains, which gives it a dry, sunny climate and long ripening, and the domaine's limestone and marl soils lend structure and a savoury edge to the fruit. At 14.5 per cent this is a ripe, full expression of Alsace Pinot Noir. Fermentation runs on wild yeast with little added sulphur, and time in old oak softens the tannins and lets small amounts of oxygen round out the wine while adding gentle spice rather than obvious vanilla. The colour is a mid ruby. The nose shows small black fruits and cherry, with hints of leather and sweet spice. The palate is smooth and juicy, savoury and earthy, with fine tannins and a long, spiced finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees, and decant if you like. It suits roast duck, game birds and mushroom dishes.