Joseph Cattin Riesling Lieu Dit Elsbourg 2023

Joseph Cattin is a family-owned Alsace producer with a history dating back to 1720, based in Voegtlinshoffen, just south of Colmar. The Lieu-dit Elsbourg comes from a south-facing hillside parcel on the Elsbourg hill, where limestone soils provide the foundations for a particularly dry, mineral style of Riesling. The warm exposure encourages full ripeness, while the limestone contributes the distinctive stony character associated with the site. The grapes are hand harvested, with yields kept low to concentrate flavour. This is a wine that puts its individual vineyard character at the forefront, offering a more focused expression of Alsatian Riesling than a straightforward regional bottling.

Made from 100% Riesling, the grapes are gently pressed to preserve their aromatic character before fermentation at controlled temperatures. The wine is then matured in the cellar for an extended period, allowing its fruit and mineral character to develop greater complexity. The 2023 is dry and refreshing, with citrus and stone fruit aromas, followed by flavours of lemon, grapefruit and ripe orchard fruit. Its defining feature is a pronounced mineral edge, with flinty notes, lively acidity and a subtle saline character carrying through to a long, clean finish. An excellent match for oysters, shellfish, grilled fish and seafood, particularly dishes where its freshness and acidity can shine.