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2019 Riesling Grand Cru “Muenchberg”
Domaine Ostertag

Ostertag’s “Mountain of the Monks” parcel has absolutely everything going for it: nine centuries of uninterrupted grape cultivation, an insane swirl of lava and sandstone in the ground, perfect southern exposition, steep, horse-plowed slopes, old vines, and a pristine location in an undeveloped hidden valley, far from the rattle and hum of modern society. What more could a grand cru want? The wine reflects that swirl in the soil, with the sandstone’s discreet sensuality and charm rolling in the glass along with the volcanic lava’s strength and fire. If you can’t wait to drink it now, consider decanting it for a few hours to settle that fire. If you have the patience, give it five years to see where it will go.
—Chris Santini
Wine Type: | white |
Vintage: | 2019 |
Bottle Size: | 750mL |
Blend: | Riesling |
Appellation: | Alsace Grand Cru |
Country: | France |
Region: | Alsace |
Producer: | Domaine Ostertag |
Winemaker: | André Ostertag |
Vineyard: | 1.7 ha; From the Alsatian “muench” meaning monk, this vineyard is named for the Cistercian monks who originally planted vines here in the 11th-12th centuries. In a south-facing amphitheater in Nothalten at the foot of the Vosges mountains, the Muenchberg site combines volcanic sediment and the pink sandstone of the Vosges with a touch of limestone. |
Soil: | Volcanic Sediment, Pink Sandstone |
Farming: | Biodynamic (certified) |
Alcohol: | 14% |
More from this Producer or Region

2020 Pinot Blanc “Les Jardins”
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2020 Riesling “Heissenberg”
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2020 Pinot Gris “Les Jardins”
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2021 Les Vieilles Vignes de Sylvaner
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2020 Pinot Gris “Fronholz”
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Fronholz is a vineyard composed primarily of quartz, and the taste of an Ostertag wine from here is reminiscent of this stone: sleek, transparent, and brilliant.

2021 Riesling “Les Jardins”
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August Club Gourmand ~ This zippy Riesling from Ostertag is bone dry and thirst quenching.

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Delicious alongside black cod in miso soy marinade.

2020 Riesling “Les Jardins”
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This zippy Riesling from Ostertag is bone dry and thirst quenching.

2020 Pinot Gris “Zellberg”
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About The Producer
Domaine Ostertag
To call André Ostertag a revolutionary winemaker is to tell just half the story. He is a pioneer, certainly, but also an ardent environmentalist. After training in Burgundy, André returned to the family domaine in Alsace with renewed zeal: he lowered yields considerably and introduced viticultural and vinification techniques from other regions to his own home ground. He looks for the nuance of terroir rather than the typicity of a grape varietal. André rejects formulaic, scientifically engineered wines, and since going biodynamic in 1997, has been an active member of the natural farming community.
About The Region
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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2020 Pinot Gris “Fronholz”
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2021 Edelzwicker
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2016 Pinot Gris Grand Cru “Florimont”
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2021 Muscat “Vignoble de Katzenthal”
Meyer-Fonné France | Alsace
2021 Riesling “Les Jardins”
Domaine Ostertag France | Alsace
2017 Pinot Gris Grand Cru “Brand- SMARTQUOTE TEST”
Albert Boxler France | Alsace
Confiture Fraise Charlotte et Rhubarbe D’Alsace
Christine Ferber France | Alsace
2021 Gentil d’Alsace
Meyer-Fonné France | Alsace
2020 Edelzwicker Réserve
Albert Boxler France | Alsace
2018 Pinot Gris Grand Cru “Brand”
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Kermit once said...

Kermit once said...
Let the brett nerds retire into protective bubbles, and whenever they thirst for wine it can be passed in to them through a sterile filter. Those of us on the outside can continue to enjoy complex, natural, living wines.
Inspiring Thirst, page 236