Riesling Le Kottabe Josmeyer 2015/16

Riesling Le Kottabe Josmeyer biodynamic wine is a dry expression of the grape, fresh and lively with a floral nose, hints of grapefruit, a fleshy mouthfeel and a precision which is characteristic of Josmeyer. The grapes are grown on the part of the estate between Wintzenheim and Turckheim which is rich in clay, producing wines which are, in their own words: 'soft and sensual'. Perfect for seafood or goats cheese. Kottabe comes from the French word for an ancient Greek drinking game, and forms part of their Artist Series.

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 most of the wines we stock today - taking over in 1966. In 2000 he switched the entire estate to organic and biodynamic culture. He is credited with elevating the estate to one of Alsace’s greats, and with injecting the wines with their unique sense of cultural place by combining his love of contemporary art with his produce. After his death earlier this year, 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. Organic certification was given in 2004 and all the wines are made with the upmost respect for the terroirs. 5 distinct terroirs make up the estat, 2 of which have achieved Grand Cru status: Hengst and Brand. Vines are planted at a minimum of 5200 per hectare. Once hand picked, the grapes undergo gentle pressing followed by natural fermentation in their 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.