Domaine Paul Blanck 2016 'Cuvee F' Pinot Noir, Furstentum, Alsace AOC

Only 20 cases of the 300 cases produced were exported to the USA. It is a real treat to offer this rare red wine to the Illinois community.

Vineyard Notes: The Furstentum Vineyard is composed of calcareous soil consisting of a pebbly structure. The vineyard is south-facing with slopes of 25-38%, providing exposure to the sun and resulting in a unique Mediterranean-like flora. This terroir produces full-bodied wines with complex and powerful aromatics. Furstentum is located around the village of Kientzheim at the foot of the Vosges Mountains. It is a classified as a Grand Cru d' Alsace vineyard for white wines. The Pinot Noir vines are 30 years old.

Winemaking Notes: Fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeast in stainless steel tanks. The vatting period lasts 10 to 15 days. The wine is then run off into barrel, where it finishes fermenting. Contact between the solids and the must is limited to avoid excessive tannin extraction. The wine ages in oak barrels (⅓ new) for 10 to 12 months.

Tasting Notes: This is Paul Blanck's top Pinot Noir. Wine writer Ian D'Agata likened it to a good Pommard. Textural and complex, this Pinot will only get better with age.