Pierre Frick Riesling Alsace Grand Cru Steinert 2020

Domaine Pierre Frick farms biodynamically in Alsace, in northeastern France, and this Riesling comes from the Steinert Grand Cru, a limestone site in the village of Pfaffenheim. Alsace lies in the rain shadow of the Vosges mountains, giving a dry, sunny climate and a long growing season, while the limestone soils of Steinert lend the wine structure and a firm mineral drive. Riesling is fermented dry here, and part of the ageing takes place in old oak, which adds texture through lees contact rather than oak flavour. Frick works with minimal added sulphur and native yeasts, so the wine reflects site and vintage closely. The colour is bright straw, with lemon, white peach and white flowers on the nose over a stony, saline edge. The palate is dry and precise at fourteen per cent, with citrus and stone fruit held on a firm mineral backbone and a long, saline finish. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees in a tall white glass.