In the glass
Aroma: candied lemon, white peach, wet stone, white flower
Palate: yellow apple, preserved lemon, salt, savoury spice
Zusslin's Pfingstberg Grand Cru Riesling from sandstone-marl slopes around Orschwihr. Biodynamic, dry, structured for the cellar.
What it pairs with
-
Lobster bisque
Shellfish concentration against racy Riesling. -
Pike quenelle Nantua
Cream-sauced freshwater fish for the wine's stone. -
Aged Comte
Crystalline cheese against the wine's salt and stone.
How to serve Valentin Zusslin Pfingstberg Riesling
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. Lobster bisque, Pike quenelle Nantua, Aged Comte. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Pfingstberg above Orschwihr is one of the southern Alsace Grand Crus, named for the Pentecost flowers that bloom on its slopes. Zusslin has bottled it as a single-cru cuvee since 1990.
- 1990 — First Zusslin Pfingstberg Riesling Grand Cru bottling
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine Valentin Zusslin
- Grapes
- Riesling (100%)
- Classification
- Alsace Grand Cru Pfingstberg
- Oak
- Large old foudre; long lees ageing
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- EUR 35 to 55 at retail
- Drinking window
- 5-20 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1990
Frequently asked about Valentin Zusslin Pfingstberg Riesling
What does Valentin Zusslin Pfingstberg Riesling taste like?
On the nose, candied lemon, white peach, wet stone, white flower. On the palate, yellow apple, preserved lemon, salt, savoury spice. Structurally medium-bodied, racy acidity with a long finish. Zusslin's Pfingstberg Grand Cru Riesling from sandstone-marl slopes around Orschwihr. Biodynamic, dry, structured for the cellar.
When should I drink Valentin Zusslin Pfingstberg Riesling?
Drink 5-20 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Valentin Zusslin Pfingstberg Riesling?
Lobster bisque is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Pike quenelle Nantua and Aged Comte. Shellfish concentration against racy Riesling.
What grapes are in Valentin Zusslin Pfingstberg Riesling?
The blend is Riesling (100%). The wine is classified as Alsace Grand Cru Pfingstberg.