# Fronholz Riesling (2023)

- **Producer:** Domaine Ostertag
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Riesling
- **Region:** Alsace, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €44
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–11 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blossom, apple, peach, lemon, orange, fennel, cream

## About this wine

Domaine Ostertag is an acclaimed family-owned estate situated in Epfig, Alsace, currently helmed by Arthur Ostertag alongside his father, André. Certified biodynamic since 1998, the domaine classifies this single-vineyard bottling from the historic Fronholz lieu-dit as a 'Vin de Pierre' (Stone Wine). Situated at the top of Epfig hill with a rare south-southwest exposure, the 40-year-old vines grow in light soils composed of decomposed pink quartz sandstone, sand, clay, and mineral-rich marl.

## Interesting facts

- Domaine Ostertag designates this wine as a 'Vin de Pierre' where terroir dominates over varietal fruit character.
- The historic lieu-dit name 'Fronholz' translates as 'corvée forest' in local tradition.
- Grown on a rare south-southwest facing hill top planted on decomposed pink quartz sand.

## Food pairing

The wine's bright, energetic acidity and signature salinity slice through rich, creamy dishes and cut cleanly through oily fish. Its refined structural depth complements subtle Asian spices and white meats without overwhelming delicate ingredients.

## Wine making process

Hand-harvested at full maturity, the grapes undergo gentle, long pneumatic pressing. Fermentation is slow and spontaneous, relying entirely on native yeasts. The wine matures on its fine lees for 12 months in 100% stainless steel tanks to emphasize quartz minerality and terroir precision without oak influence, followed by estate bottling without animal-derived fining agents.