A host of new features (1): Dirringer

Over the past month, quite a few new things have appeared on Vins Étonnants. It's Thomas of the Small cellars I now work with someone who recommended them to me. And frankly, as you'll see, the guy has good taste :-)

Leo Dirringer He belongs to this young generation of Alsatian winemakers who were raised on the wines of Meyer, Binner, and Schueller, and who are now embarking on their own adventure. While the wines are free of added sulfites, they are also flawless. Which doesn't mean they lack personality. On the contrary, each vintage is brimming with it, as we shall see.

Granit'IK 2021-2023 (€18.90)

Solera system from 2021, 2022 and 2023 on old Auxerrois and Pinot Blanc vines

originating from the Kalkstahl hillside, a manganese-rich granite

The dress is a bright straw yellow, with rose gold highlights.

The nose is natural “light”, with warm apple, frangipane, and fine smoky notes of reduction.

The mouth is round, ample, enveloping, coating the entire palate with a soft, caressing texture, while being stretched and toned by a fine acidity – supported by a subtle percolation that tickles the tongue.

The finish is invigorating, concentrated, with noble bitterness that brings zest, and an acidity that prolongs the wine with notes of roasted white fruits and spices.

Riesling Grain de Sable (€15.90)

45-year-old vines on granite and sandy soils of Dambach

The dress is golden and shiny.

The nose is fine, deep, complex, with yuzu, pear, candied angelica and smoky and terpene notes.

The palate is slender, stretched by an arachnid acidity, deploying a material that is both dense and airy, racy, rising crescendo in intensity, culminating in an explosive and jubilant finish mixing citrus and petrol/smoky notes, complemented by faded rose and jasmine.

Alsace Virose 2023 (€15.50)

Gewurztraminer orange wine

The dress is orange/copper, slightly cloudy.

The nose is expressive, with aromas of dried orange peel, rose petal, dried apricot, orange blossom and oriental spices.

The palate combines breadth and tension, with an ethereal texture, an almost unreal sweetness, and a vibrant aromatic profile that transports you to a Marrakech souk. A light stream of carbon dioxide ensures freshness.

The finish lingers on the palate without any abruptness, intensifying the sensations of rose, honeysuckle, citrus peel, peach, apricot, and sweet spices.

This wine will happily replace the Neumeyer Bull that the winemaker has stopped producing, with 3 degrees less alcohol.

Pourquoi nous faire confiance ?

Depuis 2014, chez Les Grappes, nous partons à la rencontre de vignerons passionnés partout en France pour dénicher des vins authentiques, vivants et pleins d'histoire. En travaillant directement avec plus de 500 vignerons, nous sélectionnons des cuvées que nous aimons vraiment et que nous avons envie de vous faire découvrir.

Ce blog est le prolongement de cette aventure. On y partage nos découvertes, nos conseils, nos coups de cœur, nos meilleurs accords mets-vins, des idées de dégustation et tout ce qui nous anime au quotidien autour du vin.

L'objectif est simple : vous aider à choisir des bouteilles qui vous ressemblent et à prendre encore plus de plaisir à les déguster.