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2017 Riesling

Kuentz-Bas
Discount Eligible $16.00
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Introducing this bottling to readers in our December 1997 newsletter, Kermit wrote, “If you have a soft spot for dry, steely Riesling, you won’t find one more typical, and at such a painless price.” The twenty-two years since then have witnessed a few transitions at Kuentz-Bas, and yet that claim is as true today as ever. Olivier Raffin took over the helm in 2017, and in his first vintage, he has produced a white wine that is pure and typique of Alsatian Riesling, perhaps the noblest of the region’s four “noble” grape varieties (the other three being Muscat, Pinot Gris, and Gewurztraminer). This dry and mineral blanc carries notes of orchard fruit, chamomile, and honey. The warmth of the vintage, combined with the domaine’s practice of completing malolactic fermentation, created a white wine that has generous body while retaining great acidity and freshness. This is textbook Alsatian Riesling, a standard that is as essential at Kuentz-Bas now as it was when we started importing their wines more than two decades ago.

Tom Wolf


Technical Information
Wine Type: white
Vintage: 2017
Bottle Size: 750mL
Blend: Riesling
Appellation: Alsace
Country: France
Region: Alsace
Producer: Kuentz-Bas
Winemaker: Samuel Tottoli
Vineyard: 25 - 45 years, 4 ha
Soil: Loess, Silt, Limestone
Aging: Slow fermentation (2-6 months) takes place in oak foudres over 100 years old
Farming: Lutte Raisonnée
Alcohol: 13.5%

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About The Region

Alsace

map of Alsace

Tragically, Alsace might be the most misunderstood wine region of France. In spite of its long history of viticulture and tremendous diversity of pedigreed terroirs, a past fraught with marketing mishaps has left consumers baffled as to what exactly to expect inside one of these mysterious tall, thin bottles.

The good news, on the other hand, is that a new wave of quality-oriented growers is working hard to put Alsace in its rightful place as one of the world’s most fascinating sources of fine white wine. By embracing tradition, respecting terroir, and making a concerted effort to better communicate the countless virtues their wines have to offer, they have succeeded in putting Alsace back on the map.

Crafted from a number of grape varieties and beautifully interpreting the region’s mosaic of soil types, our Alsace imports are by and large dry whites offering exceptional versatility at table. While each of these selections is ready to be uncorked tonight, the finest among them are also capable of maturing for many, many years in a cool cellar. Expect kaleidoscopic aromatics, lively acidities, and loads of terroir transparency in these skillfully crafted masterpieces. Enjoy a foray into the thrilling world of the world’s most underrated wine region, and certainly do not hesitate to contact our sales staff with any questions as you take off on this mouth-watering adventure.

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Vintage Chart

Trust the great winemakers, trust the great vineyards. Your wine merchant might even be trustworthy. In the long run, that vintage strip may be the least important guide to quality on your bottle of wine.—Kermit Lynch