Wenlock Cellars
Cave de Turckheim Grand Cru Brand Riesling, AOP Alsace Grand Cru 2022
Cave de Turckheim Grand Cru Brand Riesling, AOP Alsace Grand Cru 2022
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Exemplary Riesling: an elegantly complex and intensely satisfying drop!
Production
Grapes are sourced from especially delineated Grands Crus - areas of exceptional soils where only Riesling, Muscat d'Alsace, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer can be planted. The soil is constituted of dry granite, which imparts unique characters and style to the wine and helps to keep yields low. The Grand Cru of Brand takes its name from the German word for ‘fire’. Due to its southerly aspect, this vineyard benefits from remarkably high levels of sunshine which in turn results in grapes with high levels of ripeness and richness. Produced traditionally by winemaker Jean Michel Lihrmann - pneumatic pressing, temperature controlled fermentation, no finings and light filtration before bottling - all to preserve fruit and aromatic qualities and elegance. His philosophy is to make wines with good acidity and fruit balance.
Tasting notes
Classic Alsace Riesling; fine and dry with elegant pear, floral and citrus fruit on the nose underpinned by toasty aromas and a wet-gravel minerality. The palate is broader with rich fruits, a beautiful play of dry and sweet, with a smoky element and underpinned with luscious acidity.
Food match
Classically paired with seafood or, in the true spirit of Alsace, with rich pork and cheese dishes such as Choucroute or Tarte Flambée, otherwise known as Flammküche.
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ABV
13.5%
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Bottle Size
75cl
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Region/Country
Alsace, France
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Grape
Riesling 100%
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Features
Vegetarian, Vegan, Sustainable
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Closure
Cork
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Winemaker
Daniel Gerold
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Appellation
AOP Alsace Grands Cru
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Allergen info
Contains sulphites and no other allergens
Meet the Producer
Widely regarded as one of the best co-operatives in the world, Cave de Turckheim lies at the mouth of the Munster Valley. Working closely with 180 partners, its vineyards span the full breadth of Alsatian terroir and grape varieties. Cave de Turckheim only produces wine from the grapes of its member growers, it is a récoltant not a négociant.
Substantial investment in the winery has enabled the team to vinify many parcels of grapes separately, offering Michel Lihrmann (senior winemaker for 25 years) the chance to highlight each wine's nuances in his signature dry, yet fruit forward, style.
Committed to producing the highest quality wines, growers are encouraged to keep yields low - for example, Cave de Turckheim voluntarily caps yields for its Grands Crus vineyards at 45hl/ha rather than the permitted 55hl/ha - and to pick the grapes by hand. This is part of a long term and innovative strategy of sustainability that includes developing the largest holdings of organic vineyards in Alsace, using natural alternatives to chemical treatments, and a green overview of all vineyard practices. Alongside some great organic wines, the extensive range runs from the excellent value Tradition wines right through to individual Grand Cru bottlings, plus fantastic Crémants d’Alsace and Vendange Tardive dessert wines.
A Note on Sustainability
An awareness of social and environmental concerns has always been high on the agenda for the Cave de Turckheim’s growers. They were among the first in France to practice integrated agriculture, an approach which combines the best of modern tools and technologies with traditional practices, lowering the consumption of energy and other resources, reducing environmental pollution, conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainability. In 2014, all the members of the co-operative obtained Agri Confiance Volet Vert (Green Section) certification and in 2015, they all obtained High Environmental Value Level 2 certification then went on to achieve the highest HVE Level 3 certification in 2019.
In 2008, a number of growers decided to commit to the rigorous standards of organic viticulture. As part of Alliance Alsace, approximately 70 hectares of vines are now cultivated organically, having obtained organic certification in 2011, with a further 30 hectares in transition. These vignerons have revived ancestral practices, tilling the soil and undertaking work that facilitates the elimination of weeds and the combat against the two major diseases: powdery mildew which is tackled with sulphur and mildew which is treated with copper sulphate. Natural fertilisers are also used (nettle, horsetail, comfrey and dandelion), fortifying the vines and increasing their natural resistance. Organic winegrowers meticulously observe their vines, enabling them to intervene in the right place and at the right time, rather than treating the plants systematically.
Turckheim’s commitment to the environment extends to the winery where it strives to conserve natural resources. Sorting waste for recycling, reducing its carbon footprint, using solar panels, and preventing pollution are just some examples of how environmental considerations are present in every aspect of its daily work. Committed to both the environment and its customers, Cave de Turckheim also plays an important role in the local economy.
To celebrate its 65th anniversary, Cave de Turckheim planted 65 trees in February 2022 to contribute to the reconstruction and maintenance of their vines and terroirs, as well as to the preservation and enhancement of wider landscapes. Local and ancient varieties were specially selected to contribute to the safeguarding of their genetic heritage.
