2021 Domaine Ostertag ‘Fronholz’ Pinot Gris, Alsace, France

Domaine Ostertag stands out as one of the most dynamic and highly regarded producers in Alsace today, defying the trend in a region where some areas have lagged behind the top winemakers of Germany and Austria. This family-run estate encompasses 12 hectares spread across more than 75 small vineyards plots in five villages. André Ostertag, known for his passion and independent thinking, transitioned the estate to 100% biodynamics in 1998, eliminating herbicides, chemical fertilizers, and insecticides. All vineyard work, including harvesting, is done by hand. In the cellar, press cycles are long and gentle, fermentations are natural and unhurried, and the wines are aged on their lees. Barrels are used for Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir, and the wines are minimally filtered, if at all. Now under the direction of André's son Arthur, the domaine continues to produce some of Alsace’s finest wines, maintaining its innovative edge. Why do we like it?   Because these are my favorite style of Pinot Gris, ripe and powerful with a creamy texture, the Fronholz shows butter, peach and pineapple, big fruit with a touch of candied ginger. More mineral on the finish, giving a long, layered persistence. Enjoy it with Foie Gras if you can find some or with Lobster to go with the beautiful firm yet tender texture of it, incredible!   Grape            Pinot Gris Country        France                                  Region          Alsace Vintage         2021