Marcel Deiss Alsace Rouge 2022

Marcel Deiss farms twenty hectares around Bergheim in Alsace and is known for championing the character of the site over the variety, working biodynamically and with minimal intervention. This red is Pinot Noir, a grape that stays light and perfumed in Alsace's cool continental climate. The vineyards sit on the region's varied limestone and marl soils at the foot of the Vosges, and the mountains cast a rain shadow that gives long, dry, sunny autumns for slow, even ripening. Biodynamic farming and native-yeast fermentation are used to let that terroir show through, and the wine is aged in oak, chosen to add structure and gentle oxygenation rather than overt wood flavour. The colour is a bright, pale ruby, the nose showing red cherry, raspberry, rose and a subtle earthiness. The palate is light and fresh, with silky tannin, bright acidity and a fine, chalky, mineral finish. Serve lightly chilled at 14 to 15 degrees, in a Burgundy glass. It suits lighter meats and mushroom dishes.