Description

Les Folastries from the Josmeyer estate is a remarkable “semi-dry” – almost dry – Gewurztraminer from Alsace. Its charming name is taken from the title of a collection of poems by Pierre de Ronsard, a leading poet of the French Renaissance. It possesses the aromatic exuberance of the grape variety (lychee, floral intensity, hints of lemon) with incredible delicacy. It reveals a refined and seductive palate, carried by beautiful bitter notes. A version of Gewurztraminer that one would love to encounter more often…

In the vineyard, in the cellar

The Gewurztraminer grapes for this Alsace cuvée, Les Folastries de Josmeyer, come from plots on the Herrenweg in Turckheim. Situated on the Fecht alluvial fan, this terroir is characterised by colluvial deposits comprising a gravelly-sandy substrate, alluvium and pebbles. Similar to the soil of Graves, this terroir produces aromatic, ripe and elegant wines. Average age of vines: 60 years. Yield: 10 hl/ha

Since 2004, the entire vineyard has been cultivated organically and biodynamically. This more demanding and quality-focused approach fosters a symbiosis between sky, earth, plant and man. This close relationship between these four elements produces noble grapes. These, in turn, give rise to a dense, balanced wine with a unique personality.

Hand-harvested and pneumatically whole-bunch pressed (over 5 to 8 hours), the grapes are exclusively sourced from organic and biodynamic farming. They naturally impart their aromas to the must. They ferment spontaneously without the addition
of enzymes or selected yeasts, and without chaptalisation. After a fermentation period lasting between one and four months, they are aged, depending on the case, in century-old oak casks or stainless steel vats.

The Josmeyer estate’s Alsace Grand Cru Hengst is made from 100% Riesling from 45-year-old vines, with a yield of 40 hl/ha.

Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France ★★

Today, the fifth generation is at the helm of this estate founded in 1854: Céline in charge of management, and Isabelle overseeing winemaking. This effective duo continues to drive the quality of the wines, certified biodynamic, towards excellence. Art is ever-present in the Josmeyer family, with poems and drawings by the two sisters, sometimes on the labels or on the casks… You’ll need to keep your eyes peeled so as not to miss a thing during a visit to this exemplary estate! The style of the wines, focused on elegance, captivates us. The Hengst grand cru is at its very best here. Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois are the hallmarks of the estate’s iconic cuvées. This range of top-class wines will delight lovers of nuanced, straightforward and dry wines.

What to eat with a Josmeyer Les Folastries Alsace Gewurztraminer?

In summer, it pairs beautifully with tomatoes and fennel, and in winter with celery. Naturally, smoked salmon suits it well, as do exotic salads (Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian). Fish or meat dishes with saffron or curry: it will be delicious.