Description

Domaine Bohn, Alsace Pinot Gris Sélection de Grains Nobles 1997

Alsace wines that go far beyond organic

At the Bernard and Arthur Bohn estate, the organic approach is neither a gimmick nor a marketing ploy. Whilst the estate is certified organic, its approach goes far beyond the rules and conventions. Bernard and Arthur Bohn follow their own path as independent winegrowers who respect ecology and the environment.

They tend their unique schist or volcanic-sandstone terroirs in an ecological manner. They maintain the soil with care. Biodiversity and the preservation of local flora and fauna are fundamental to the estate’s vineyard. Native grass cover grows on the ground; the grass is not mown but rolled into a vegetative mat. Here, chemicals are avoided through the practice of ecological and environmentally respectful viticulture.

All vintages are harvested by hand. Yields are deliberately kept low. Bernard is also the estate’s oenologist. Demanding when it comes to quality, he explains that the wine must reflect, without artifice, the terroir and climate from which it originates. He advocates minimalist vinification without the use of oenological additives. For the majority of the vintages, vinification concludes with a long ageing period in old Alsatian casks. Or in barrels to achieve the balance and length of great gastronomic wines. Mineral, fresh, light, persistent and very easy to drink.

What to eat with a 1997 Pinot Gris Sélection de Grains Nobles from Domaine Bohn?

Pan-fried foie gras, well-matured blue-veined cheeses. Apple or pear crumble.