Pinot Gris Turckheim
2018
Olivier Humbrecht is one of the world's most renowned winegrowers. He is a Master of Wine and has been described by Robert Parker as the greatest white winemaker on earth. Yet he is very soft spoken, humble, and self-deprecating, which makes him perfectly suited to his assumed role as a global ambassador of wine. He is a champion of terroir, biodynamic farming principles, and non-interventionist winemaking, whose family have been winegrowers in Alsace for 12 generations (since 1620). He is...
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Pinot Gris is sourced from the flat alluvial gravel vineyards surrounding the winery. The respect for the vine and soil is very important for Olivier and is team of vineyard workers. All viticultural work is carried out by hand with the help of some horses to plough the vineyards with minimum impact of the soil. All vineyards have been certified organic and biodynamic since 2002. Low impact farming is practiced.
All wines are fermented in traditional oak vats using native yeasts. No additives are used, and chaptalization is never carried out. The wines are left on their lees and ferment at there own pace, the wines are not fined. Very little sulfites are added and the wines are bottled after at least 6 months on the lees.
This wine has beautiful white floral notes. On the palate there is refreshing acidity and a long dry finish.
Fantastic, classic pinot gris with spices, almonds and dried fruits. Peaches and apricots, too. Full body and a fresh and crisp finish. Oily yet bone dry. Nice bitter and licorice aftertaste.
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Earth, white currant and dried pear notes make for an intriguing nose. A touch of flint creates a smoky edge that carries onto the dry, concentrated palate where pear and currant are joined by bright, tart lemon. The finish is superclean, lip-smacking and dry.
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Fragrant with lychee and spice accents, this has a silky mix of melon, pink grapefruit sorbet, stone and smoke flavors enlivened by snappy acidity and a lightly chalky texture. Drink now through 2028. 200 cases imported.
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Aromatic hints of baked Cox Orange apple and ripe pear are accented by aromatic overtones of ripe quince. Quince also shimmer on the dry, even slender palate that shows uncommon spice and and clarity. A pure expression of Pinot Gris, this is shaped by freshness and zest.
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This is an excellent introduction to the new, drier-style pinot gris of Alsace, thanks to its full, caramelized-pear character. Moderate richness (just 13% alcohol), plus restrained creaminess at the dry and clean finish. Mostly from the alluvial Herrenweg vineyard of Turckheim. From biodynamically grown grapes.
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A very aromatic nose of uncommon complexity offers spices, toffee and baked apple. Then lighter than the rich nose suggests, delivering fresh apple and pear flavors complemented by sweet spices. Long, clean and very fresh, this is almost – dare I say it - Pinot Grigio-like. The wine is made from young vines planted around the new winery building in 1992, and from vines planted in the 80s (save for two parcels from the late 1940s that are normally used to make the estate’s Pinot Gris Vieilles Vignes.)
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Medium-dark yellow. Rich archetypal Pinot Gris aromas and flavors: honeyed baked apple, pear and truffle, but lifted by a refreshing note of white flowers. Smooth, round and ripe, then a little warm at the back, which features chewy tannins. Quite powerful for an entry-level Pinot Gris.
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An open-knit version, with a clean-cut mix of savory minerality, Gala apple, floral and clementine notes. The lovely balance and snappy acidity make this hard to stop sipping. Lightly smoky on the lingering finish.
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