Beck-Hartweg 2022 Alsace GC Frankstein

Formerly known as 'Cuvée Lily,' named after Florian and Mathilde's daughter, the Grand Cru Frankstein is an ancient style of Alsatian wine (ancient as in more common in the early 1900s and earlier, before mono-varietal wines became the norm in Alsace). It is a blend of the four varieties that Florian and Mathilde have planted on the Grand Cru Frankstein site. This is a Frankstein wine through and through, so we are meant to focus less on the grape varieties, in fact, and instead take in the signature granitic salinity and spice of the Frankstein terroir. Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir (direct press) are blended here. The wine is elegant, with structure, and a very long finish. There are notes of orange blossom and and verbena on the nose and palate, with stone fruit and persistent minerality. Since the parcels are situated high and low on the Frankstein slopes, there is a nice balance between the sharpness and salinity from the higher parcels, and the richer, and more delicate fruit from the lower part of the hill. All in all, it's a lovely wine, and one that should age beautifully over the next 3-10 years.   -EL