Pinot Gris - Clos Saint Materne

AOC Alsace - White wine - 13 % vol

The vine :

This vine is sited on the top of the hill of Avolsheim in a natural enclosure formed from piles of stones and an imposing cliff and thus sheltered from the wind. Saint Materne is the local patron Saint who lends his name to this cuvée: Clos Saint Materne, born of a place of truly idyllic views.

• Soil type : Shallow silt-limestone soils where the bedrock is just beneath, rich in limestone gravel, making it easier for the soil to heat up.

• Exposure : East-facing.

• Vine management : The vine strikes its own balance quite naturally in this superb ‘terroir’, producing few grapes. On this ‘thin’ soil the wine-grower has to ensure the vine does not suffer any water stress in Summer during its period of growth. Thus the soil is partially ploughed.



• Harvesting : Grapes are harvested when they are just beginning to over ripen (potential alcohol by volume of approx 14%).

The wine :

• Goals : Obtain a smooth, full bodied wine, with a long finish and considerable aromatic complexity.

• Method used : Gentle, but very long (5 hours) pressing cycle.
  Late filtration during the month of April, with sur lie ageing, lees stirring and moderate aeration.

• Drinking, cellaring potential and food-wine matchese :
  - These rich grapes have produced a wine that conjures up apricot, smoke and sous bois notes. In the mouth, balanced and generous. The flavours associated with this variety offer a frank attack and good persistence.
  - Good cellaring potential - will keep for 10 years.
  - Will accompany foie gras, pâté, game birds, white meat in cream-based sauces.

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