Schoenheitz Tokade 2022

Dominique and Henri Schoenheitz farm the slopes of Wihr-au-Val, the highest vineyard sites in Alsace at around 500 metres, and Tokade is their Pinot Gris, grown organically. Pinot Gris is one of Alsace's noble grapes, giving a full-bodied, aromatic white with stone fruit, honey and a smoky, spiced depth. The altitude here means cool nights and a long, slow ripening season, which preserves acidity and aromatic detail in a grape that can otherwise turn heavy. The wine is aged in oak barrels for nine months, where measured oxygen exchange and lees contact add texture and a nutty layer while keeping the varietal aromatics intact. At 14.5 percent it is ripe and concentrated. The colour is bright golden. The nose is expressive, with white peach, pear and hazelnut over honey, ginger and white flowers. The palate is rich and rounded, broad in texture yet held by fresh acidity, with a mineral, faintly smoky finish. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees in a large glass.