In the glass
Aroma: white peach, lemon, white flower, herb
Palate: yellow apple, salt, herb, savoury spice
Jean-Pierre Rietsch's natural Zotzenberg Sylvaner. One of the few biodynamic natural bottlings of the only Alsace Grand Cru open to Sylvaner.
What it pairs with
-
Tarte flambee
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Cream-bacon flatbread for the wine's herb and salt. -
Quiche Lorraine
Sylvaner herb and acid against cream and bacon. -
Munster
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Vosges washed-rind cheese for Sylvaner herb.
How to serve Rietsch Zotzenberg Sylvaner
Allow 5 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and pour. Open and pour directly. No decanting required for this style.
- Serve at 8-10°C. Cellar temperature (8-10°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a smaller all-purpose white glass — the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Tarte flambee, Quiche Lorraine, Munster. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Jean-Pierre Rietsch is a recognised Alsace natural-wine producer and a Demeter biodynamic farmer in Mittelbergheim. His Zotzenberg Sylvaner is a flagship of the natural-wine Grand Cru movement.
- 2005 — Sylvaner approved as a Grand Cru grape on Zotzenberg
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine Rietsch
- Grapes
- Sylvaner (100%)
- Classification
- Alsace Grand Cru Zotzenberg
- Oak
- Large old foudre; long lees ageing
- ABV
- 12.5%
- Price
- EUR 22 to 32 at retail
- Drinking window
- 3-12 from vintage
- First vintage
- 2005
Frequently asked about Rietsch Zotzenberg Sylvaner
What does Rietsch Zotzenberg Sylvaner taste like?
On the nose, white peach, lemon, white flower, herb. On the palate, yellow apple, salt, herb, savoury spice. Structurally medium-bodied, high acidity with a long finish. Jean-Pierre Rietsch's natural Zotzenberg Sylvaner. One of the few biodynamic natural bottlings of the only Alsace Grand Cru open to Sylvaner.
When should I drink Rietsch Zotzenberg Sylvaner?
Drink 3-12 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Rietsch Zotzenberg Sylvaner?
Tarte flambee is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Quiche Lorraine and Munster. Cream-bacon flatbread for the wine's herb and salt.
What grapes are in Rietsch Zotzenberg Sylvaner?
The blend is Sylvaner (100%). The wine is classified as Alsace Grand Cru Zotzenberg.