Marcel Deiss Pinot Gris 2018

Marcel Deiss is a celebrated biodynamic grower in Bergheim, in the heart of Alsace, known for placing the character of the terroir above the grape variety. The 20 hectares of vineyards are Ecocert and Demeter certified, farmed with the soil and the vintage in mind. This Pinot Gris comes from vines averaging around 40 years old, whose deep roots and low yields give concentrated, expressive fruit. Alsace sits in the rain shadow of the Vosges mountains, a dry, sunny pocket where Pinot Gris ripens fully, and here it reaches a generous 14 percent. The wine is aged in wood, where slow oxygen exchange and lees contact add texture and a savoury depth while rounding the rich aromatics. The 2018 is deep gold and openly perfumed, with white peach, apricot and honey lifted by ginger, white flowers and beeswax. The palate is full and textured, dry to just off-dry, with a smoky mineral undertone and a long finish. Serve at 11 to 13 degrees in a broad white glass.