Rietsch Entre Chien et Loup 2023

Rietsch Entre Chien et Loup is a natural monovarietal Auxerrois from Alsace, made by Domaine Rietsch. The family estate dates to 1970 and has farmed organically since certification in 2008, working its vines on the clay and limestone hillsides of Mittelbergheim. Auxerrois is a soft, low acid Alsace variety close to Pinot Blanc, and the limestone here lends freshness and a saline lift that keeps the grape from turning heavy. The wine is made with minimal intervention, without added sulphur, and aged on its fine lees. That lees contact is central to the style, adding body and a gentle creaminess through the slow breakdown of yeast cells, while the low intervention approach keeps the fruit open and direct. The colour is pale gold, sometimes faintly hazy in the natural manner. The nose is soft and floral, with white peach, pear and orchard blossom over a touch of honey and chamomile. The palate is round and gentle, the low acidity balanced by a stony, saline freshness and a clean, quietly persistent finish. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees.