Biodynamic. The Altenbourg vineyard is situated directly beneath the Grand Cru Furstentum. With its identical geology of limestone, clay and some sand, as well as the striking quality of its wines, the site presents a strong argument for Grand Cru status. Domaine Weinbach makes several wines from the Altenbourg, including some stunningly complex late-harvest Pinot Gris and kaleidoscopic Gewürztraminer. This wine tends to be a touch drier and perhaps more savoury than its Furstentum counterpart below, although the 2021 offers plenty for the hedonistic wine lover. Raised for 10 months, this 2021 finished with a balanced 25 g/L residual sugar.
It leaps out of the glass in wafts of honeysuckle, orange oil, quince and a touch of smoky limestone before ceding to a voluptuous and creamy attack evolving to candied orange, rose petals and the spiciness of green anise. In keeping with the Weinbach ‘style’, the taut acidity and minerality provide an elegant structure keeping the wine beautifully fresh from start to finish. With so much intensity and structure, it will be great on its own as an aperitif or marry beautifully with flavourful dishes like caramelised pork with Szechuan pepper and five-spice roast duck, as well as with the exotic spices of Indian and Asian cuisines.