Rietsch Pinot Noir 2025

Rietsch Pinot Noir is a natural monovarietal Pinot Noir from AOC Alsace, made by Domaine Rietsch, a small family winery in Mittelbergheim founded in the early 1970s. The estate has been certified organic since 2008 and works in a natural-wine register, using native yeasts and minimal intervention so that the fruit and its terroir come through clearly. Alsace lies in the rain shadow of the Vosges mountains, one of France's driest wine regions, where well-drained slopes and a long, sunny growing season ripen Pinot Noir gently while cool nights preserve acidity. At twelve per cent this is a deliberately light, fresh style rather than a dense one. Low-sulphur handling and gentle extraction keep the tannins soft and the aromatics bright. In the glass it is a pale to medium ruby, with a nose of red cherry, redcurrant, wild strawberry and a floral, faintly peppery edge. The palate is light to medium-bodied, juicy and savoury, with crunchy red fruit, fresh acidity and a clean, gently earthy finish. It is vegan and made without fining. Serve at 14 to 15 degrees, with a short chill in warm weather. It pairs nicely with roast chicken, charcuterie, mushroom tart and fresh goat cheese.