DOMAINE AGAPÉ (Alsace, France)
Pinot Gris 2009
100% Pinot Gris from mixed parcels. Whole cluster pressed while cool (4-6hrs). Selected yeasts start process in steel tank (1000-2500L). No Malo-lactic occurs. Rests on fine lees until spring. Bottled after filtering with SO2.
Domaine Agapé sprang to life by collecting the fruit of some of Alsace’Äôs best vineyards (including Grand Cru Osterberg, Rosacker and Schoenenbourg). In 2007, Vincent Sipp and Isabelle Boxler opened the doors of the cellar to receive this fruit from 8.5ha of vines. They began with pristine ingredients and have repaid the land with extraordinarily complex and aromatic wines. Vincent works the cellar to perfection and, with the renowned nose (and deft talent in the kitchen) of Isabelle, guides the wines to perfumed finesse. They both are descendants from old vignerons in the region, supplying them with access to vines averaging 35yrs old. These are maintained with the balance and harmony to nature in mind. Homemade composts are used to stimulate natural soils health and biological defenses in the vines. Cover crop alternately decorates the rows and is ploughed for root propagation. Rot and mildew are kept in check with rigorous canopy management. The 2 handpick the fruit, keeping the clusters whole. The goal is to develop complexity In the fruit, without sacrificing the delicate aromas of each unique varietal. They hope to express the beauty that lives around them, that is encouraged to be free and creates the terrior that is truly of their wines. Fine. Focused. Expressive. These are words to describe both the wines and the talents behind the wines at this young domaine.
100% Pinot Gris from mixed parcels. Whole cluster pressed while cool (4-6hrs). Selected yeasts start process in steel tank (1000-2500L). No Malo-lactic occurs. Rests on fine lees until spring. Bottled after filtering with SO2.