Riesling Le Dragon Domaine Josmeyer 2018

Riesling Le Dragon Domaine Josmeyer: dry, pure, biodynamic Riesling with citrus notes, subtle texture and racy acidity. Inspired by the local legend of a dragon which fought the sun, lost and retreated to the cave at the top of the Drachenloch vineyard – where this wine is grown – to die. The cave shelters the southwest-facing slopes creating one of the warmest micro climates in the area, known as Petit Senegal. This is a dry style of Riesling characterised by citrus fruit flavours and an acidity well balanced by the body.

Josmeyer was founded in 1854 by restaurant owner Aloyse Meyer who set about building on his father’s work in the wine trade.

Since then, the estate has passed through 5 generations of the Meyer family, with Jean Meyer responsible for switching the entire estate to organic and biodynamic culture. He is credited with elevating the estate to one of Alsace’s greats. After his death, his daughters Celine and Isabelle took over running of the estate. The 28 hectare estate is situated at Wintzenheim, and benefits from low annual rainfall, some of the lowest in France. Riesling and Pinot Blanc are given the largest sections of the estate, with Auxerrois, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Gewurztraminer also growing here. 5 distinct terroirs make up the estate, 2 of which have achieved Grand Cru status: Hengst and Brand. Once hand picked, the grapes undergo gentle pressing followed by natural fermentation in 100 year old casks, where they also receive some lees ageing. Josmeyer’s wines are characterised by freshness, complexity and minerality, with each of the 5 terroirs contributing to different expressions of the grapes. These are true wines of character, and though their labels may suggest a certain playfulness, they are certainly serious wines.