2024 Melanie Pfister - Riesling Berg (750ml)

André Pfister started working at his family’s estate in Dahlenheim in 1966, when he was just 15. In the early 1980s he stopped using herbicides and switched to no-till farming, unusual in Alsace at the time. His daughter Mélanie, the eighth generation and the first woman to run the domaine, took over with the 2006 vintage. Before that she trained at estates including Zind-Humbrecht, Château d’Yquem, and Craggy Range in New Zealand. Together they farm about 25 acres split into 43 parcels. The vineyards have been certified organic since 2021 and receive biodynamic preparations.

Berg is short for its two source vineyards, Auf dem Berg and Silberberg, neighboring hillsides above the village. The cuvée, formerly labeled Riesling Tradition, comes from six plots totaling just over three acres of vines averaging about 40 years old. The soil is Muschelkalk, about three feet of chalky clay and rounded stones over limestone bedrock. The clay gives the Riesling body, and the limestone adds finesse and length. The grapes ferment with native yeasts in stainless steel, and the wine ages about 18 months on its fine lees before bottling.

This dry Alsace Riesling is fresh and nuanced. It shows green apple, pear, white peach, and lime, along with orange blossom, white flowers, and fresh herbs. The palate is crisp and mineral, with a long, energetic finish. Serve it with choucroute garnie, grilled fish, shellfish, or a goat cheese tart.