JP RIETSCH
FRANCE, ALSACE, MITTELBERGHEIM
We are always thrilled to release a new vintage from Jean Pierre Rietsch in Alsace, and particularly so this year as 2023 has proven to be quite the bumper harvest in Mittelbergheim. Not one without its problems (high mildew pressure thanks to humidity and big clusters after heavy August rains) but a tremendous year for quality of fruit.
It's very special to have JP in London for the first time this week, a huge thanks to those of you who joined us at the wonderful Clarence Tavern to taste and learn more about the wines and their terroir. And an enormous thank you to the lovely team at Quality Wines for hosting the dinner with Jean Pierre last night! A truly wonderful evening.
We have a good brace of new arrivals from the vibrant 2023 vintage, alongside a couple of late arrivals to complete the 2022 set: all detailed in full below.
Jean-Pierre has been at the helm of his family vineyards in the historic village for over 37 years now. Diligently organic, but working above and beyond in the parcels to ensure the resulting wines channel their terroir with both complexity and drinkability in equal measure. The 2023 wines show particular balance and juiciness, still retaining great depth. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
AVAILABLE NOW
2023 - Blanc au Litre - Auxerrois, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Silvaner
The litre blend continues to be very well suited to the format, Auxerrois taking the lead, picked from mixed parcels over clay-limestone.
2023 - Entre Chien et Loup - Auxerrois
Auxerrois hand-harvested from both the clay-limestone of Mittelbergheim and grés soils of Mutzig. Designed to be so easy drinking that the label doubles as a warning: if you can't tell the difference between the dog and wolf, you've had one too many.
2023 - Vieille Vigne Sylvaner - Sylvaner
From parcels in the Brandluft and Berg vineyards, alongside some from the Zotzenberg, mostly on clay limestone, with some marl in Zotzenberg.
2023 - Murmure - Muscat
Muscat can always be a fragile grape for Jean-Pierre but it has fared well in 23, picked from the marl limestones around Mitterlbergheim. A 10-day whole-bunch maceration this year, proving very fine and delicate rather than overbearing, Rietsch long-since having understood the best way to work with his aromatic varieties.
2023 - Coquette - Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir
Coquette returns! A wine we haven't received in a long while, a successful experiment in teasing different elements from the Gewurz, aiming for drinkability and intrigue rather than its predictable big aromas. A blend of three separate tanks, picked mostly from the Zotzenberg, great balance!
2020/23 - Stein - Riesling
From vines besides the house that JP planted with his father 30 years ago, the Leu dit Stein grown on Grey Marl and Limestone. This is a true terroir Riesling expression, multi-dimensional, long and mineral.
2022 - Grand Cru Zotzenberg - Riesling
Zotzenberg is a south/south-east facing Grand Cru vineyard, planted over marl, limestone and compacted sandstone. 2022 was one of the hottest years on record, and whilst the wine still boasts Jean-Pierre's signature acidity and light touch, it is bolstered with a brilliant sun-kissed ripeness. Lovely salinity coming from the terroir, aged 12 months in foudre.
