The Riesling "Marnes et Calcaires" 2023 from Cave de Turckheim is a wine that makes geological precision its strength. As the name suggests, it originates from a selection of vineyards located on soils composed of marl (calcareous clay) and limestone, a combination that gives the Riesling significant structure, vibrant verticality, and superior longevity compared to classic selections.
Cave de Turckheim - Alsace Riesling AOC "Marnes et Calcaires" 2023
The Riesling "Marnes et Calcaires" represents Cave de Turckheim's commitment to enhancing the identity of the Alsatian terroir. While granitic soils tend to produce more subtle and aromatic wines, marl and limestone soil imparts a distinctive palate density and mineral tension to the Riesling grape. The 2023 vintage allowed for a wine of great purity, where the grape's typical acidity is perfectly integrated into a solid and structured body. It is a dry, deep, and complex white, capable of evolving beautifully in the bottle for several years.
Sensory Profile Visually, it presents a bright straw yellow color with golden reflections. The bouquet is complex and continuously evolving: it opens with intense notes of citrus (lime, yellow grapefruit) and Reinette apple, enriched by floral nuances of acacia and a distinct mineral trace of flint and chalk. With aeration, slight hydrocarbon hints typical of great Rieslings emerge. On the palate, it is direct and voluminous; the freshness is sharp but balanced by an almost buttery sensation and a mineral sapidity that lingers long in the finish, leaving the mouth clean and vibrant.
Vinification and Aging The grapes are hand-harvested at the perfect degree of ripeness to maintain aromatic integrity. Fermentation takes place slowly in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature to preserve the fruit's freshness. After fermentation, the wine remains to age on its fine lees for several months. This prolonged contact allows the grape's asperities to soften and gives the wine the structure and richness that make it suitable for complex gastronomic pairings.
Food Pairings This Riesling is a gastronomic wine par excellence. It pairs magnificently with noble fish dishes (turbot, John Dory), grilled shellfish, and scallops. Its structure allows it to stand up to delicate white meats, sauerkraut-based dishes (the classic Alsatian Choucroute), and pressed cheeses like Comté. Also excellent with Asian cuisine, particularly sashimi or not-overly-spicy Thai dishes.
Technical Data
Producer: Cave de Turckheim
Wine: Alsace Riesling AOC
Selection: Marnes et Calcaires
Vintage: 2023
Grape Variety: 100% Riesling
Region: France (Alsace)
Soil: Marl and Limestone
Alcohol Content: 13% Vol.
Format: 75 cl
