The wine structure is full-bodied and ample, backed with robust exuberance. Gypsum is expressed by specific and delicate minerality, through smoky, match-stick and flint notes. The natural intensity of this Grand Cru and its distinct, aromatic and terroir-specific diversity, soothes the expression of this Riesling.

A leading organic producer in Alsace, the Biecher family have been making wine in Alsace since 1776. Their cellar in the village of Saint-Hippolyte has been in near constant use since then and is ideally located right in the heart of Alsace, in the foothills of the Vosges. Alsace is an interesting region as the traditions are a blend of German and French: wines such as Riesling, Pinot Blanc and Gewurztraminer are most at home here. The wines of Jean Biecher et Fils largely follow the Alsace style, and have helped cement their position as one of the leading producers in the region.

While tradition is an important element to their winemaking, the cellar at Jean Biecher et Fils hasn’t been left in the 18th Century. They have worked tirelessly to keep their production facility at the cutting edge of modern technology. This has enabled the family to have a range that extends from modern and fruit driven wines, to Alsace Grand Cru classifications. The advances in technology at their cellar has meant the family have been able to focus on improvements in the vineyard with a number of their wines being produced from plots that have been certified organic.

The family believe in responsible winemaking from vineyard to cellar and the most efficient way they are able to reduce their environmental impact is through responsible farming of their grapes. The organic vineyards are never fertilised using chemical or synthetic fertilisers, while pests are kept at bay through natural means like growing bushes to attract predators. Jean Biecher et Fils believe that by maintaining the ecosystems in their vineyards, elements that are traditionally difficult to manage will eventually become self-sustaining. As one of the largest producers of organic wines in the region, they are clearly doing something right.

Classically paired with seafood or, in the true spirit of Alsace, with rich pork and cheese dishes such as Choucroute or Tarte Flambée, otherwise known as Flammküche.