Boeckel Sylvaner Grand Cru Zotzenberg

This is a dry white wine from Domaine Boeckel, made entirely from Sylvaner grown on the Zotzenberg Grand Cru at Mittelbergheim in Alsace. The south-east-facing site has marl and limestone soils that hold moisture and resist drought, which allows slow, even ripening. Vines are around 50 to 60 years old, picked by hand and fermented slowly, then aged in century-old oak foudres. The estate farms organically, and Sylvaner is rarely classed as Grand Cru in Alsace. The nose combines citrus and ripe fruit with floral notes and fine minerality. The palate is broad and slightly rich, held by lively acidity that gives tension, and the finish is clean, persistent and fresh.