Description
The Kottabe, the flagship wine of the Josmeyer estate, is a radiant expression of Alsace Riesling. A sense of purity prevails. The sharp minerality and salty finish contribute to the wine’s balance: fresh, juicy and slender, with a delicious structure. Kottabe (Kottabos in Greek) is a game of love and skill that was played at banquets in ancient Greece.
In the vineyard, in the cellar
The grapes for the Josmeyer estate’s Alsace wine, Le Kottabe, are 40-year-old Rieslings cultivated at 45 hl/ha. They come from plots of old vines on the Herrenweg in Turckheim and Wintzenheim. 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.
Since 2004, the entire vineyard has been cultivated organically and biodynamically. This alternative, 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.
The grapes come exclusively from organic and biodynamic farming. They naturally impart their aromas to the must. Harvested by hand and pneumatically pressed whole (between 5 and 8 hours). They ferment spontaneously without the addition of enzymes or selected yeasts, and without chaptalisation. After a fermentation period lasting from one to several months, the wine is aged on fine lees in century-old oak casks until bottling.
Guide to the Best Wines of 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 biodynamically certified wines 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 wines’ style, 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 Kottabe Alsace Riesling?
Beyond its pairings with Alsatian cuisine, it gracefully highlights the briny flavours of seafood and complements savoury dishes. Seafood, saltwater or freshwater fish, sushi, white meats in cream sauces, goat’s or sheep’s cheese.
