Kientzler Riesling "Ribeauville" '19

It’s a well-established wine fact that Riesling is one of the greatest varieties in the wine world. The fruit, the acidity, the minerality and layers of complexity—we could make a compelling argument of why it is one of the most “perfect” wines in the world. While Germany takes most of the spotlight for production of this noble variety, Alsace in northeast France is its equal. 

When it comes to wine, the producer and the quality of the farming practices are incredibly important. Domaine Kientzler has earned every accolade it has been awarded, and it is regarded within France as one of the leading domaines of Alsace. Today, the Kientzlers farm almost 14 hectares of vines, yet quantities are so limited that very little of its production makes its way into export markets, or to reviewers outside France. Simply put, these wines sell out at the domaine each year at very reasonable prices with little fanfare, and we’re excited to have them here at the shop.

The Ribeauvillé is made only from hillside vineyards around Ribeauvillé and the young vines of the estate’s three Grand Cru vineyards (the Geisberg, Osterberg, and Kirchberg). The 2019 vintage was, according to Eric Kientzler, a “normal” vintage, not too warm and not too dry. He described is as powerful, not for alcohol levels but for the power of the fruit and acidity, which yielded very pure and dry wines. The 2019 Ribeauvillé offers notes of lime zest, orange oil, apple, and pear on the nose and on the palate, as well as aromas of cardamom, honey, and jasmine. It’s savory, with a long, saline finish. This wine is delicious, so enjoy it now for its youthful, vibrant fruit, and keep a few bottles for the future if you can.