Wine specificities
Two different wine styles express the terroir specificity
The first is along the lines of the terroir-specific identity with dry wines from ripe grapes with a minimum of botrytis. When young, these wines express a complex and distinct fruitiness, often accompanied by flowers and spices. Their acidity is soft, direct, crystalline: elegant. They also release great touches of bitterness. When ageing, their native fruit is replaced by the singular minerality of this terroir.
The second is that of the sweet wines resulting from Vendanges Tardives (late harvest) or Noble Grain Selection. These wines come from grapes harvested with botrytis or noble rot. These are outstanding wines expressing elegance and finesse on the palate, so characteristic of this Wiebelsverg Grand Cru.
This terroir is the association of a rare finesse and distinct mineral touch.
On first approach, Wiebelsberg wines often produce a sensation of softness before going on to unveil their full character. A straightforward, direct and often rough acidity elegantly unravels and so typical of sandstone. The substance is usually generous and vivacious. A subtle almost contained length but a virtually interminable salinity.
This elerant minerality is expressed in all grape varieties. Each one expresses its individual aromatic note on the middle mouth. Riesling expresses its natural pallet of citrus fruits whereas Muscat bursts forth with its fruity character. Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer generously reveal their fruity virtues. Then everything disappears, allowing the minerality of this cru to dominate the finish.
Romain Ilitis
Best Sommelier of France, 2012 and Meilleur Ouvrier de France, 2015 (in the Sommelier category)
