Pinot Blanc Amsel

Pinot Blanc Amzelle 2021

Region: Alsace, France

Grape: Pinot Blanc

Color: White

An exemplary Alsatian white wine crafted by a biodynamic master.

Pale greenish-yellow in appearance.
Aromas of grated apple, pear, sweety (citrus), and mint.
This is a full-bodied Alsatian wine, accented with the sweet and sour taste of ripe mandarin oranges.

【Producer Information】

Domaine Marc Tempé is located in Zellenberg, a south-west-facing village about 7 km from Colmar, in the heart of southern Alsace. Alsace has the second lowest rainfall after Perpignan in the south of France, making it a dry region. The south-facing vineyards in summer are so hot "you could fry an egg on them," ensuring the grapes develop excellent sugar levels.
At an altitude of 225-260m, the diverse soil, based on clay-limestone with granite from the Vosges mountains and yellowish limestone, is suitable for various grape varieties, producing rich and full-bodied wines with abundant minerality.

In early summer, a wonderfully deep earthy aroma emanates from Marc's vineyard soil. Weeds also grow vigorously, and there are numerous small wormholes, less than 1 cm in diameter, at the base of the grapevines. His vineyard is biodynamic. He has been practicing organic viticulture since '93 and biodynamic viticulture since '96 in his 8-hectare vineyard. He uses no chemical fertilizers or pesticides, and does not limit yields by debudding or perform summer pruning. He does nothing but help the grapevines grow well on their own.

You can even see plump escargots (snails) on the vines. The number of living creatures is vastly different compared to nearby vineyards that use herbicides and chemical fertilizers.
"Even snails know a delicious vineyard!"
Grapes, fully exposed to sunlight and with sufficient sugar levels, are hand-picked in September, with sorting. The grapes are gently pressed, stems and all, for 5-6 hours. "It's such a gentle press that a ladybug could come out alive," he says. Marc's wines, fermented with indigenous yeasts, exude a bright, positive warmth.