Domaine Loew - Riesling - Muschelkalk 2024
Domaine Loew is located in one of the most unique areas of the Alsace vineyard, in Westhoffen, on the slopes west of Strasbourg. Founded in 1996 by Étienne Loew, it continues a family history rooted in this village since the 18th century. The estate is distinguished by a very precise reading of the terroirs, spread over several municipalities and supported by particularly varied soil types. Sandstone, oolitic limestone, Muschelkalk, and Keuper marls with gypsum compose a geological mosaic that gives the wines a clear and expressive identity. Caroline and Étienne Loew manage the vineyard according to a certified biodynamic approach, with constant attention to soil vitality, natural balances, and manual harvesting. Within the Alsace appellation, Domaine Loew thus establishes itself as a terroir address, capable of precisely translating the mineral nuances of its plots. The Riesling Muschelkalk 2024 perfectly illustrates this quest for purity, tension, and limestone expression.
The Domaine Loew Riesling Muschelkalk 2024 comes from a group of three plots planted between 1967 and 2003, located on a small west-facing hillside. The soil is shallow and rests on a bedrock of upper Muschelkalk, a limestone formation that strongly marks the style of this cuvée. The planting density announced at 5,500 vines per hectare and naturally limited yields allow for precise material without excess richness. The grapes are hand-harvested, then vinified with indigenous yeasts, following a logic of respect for the fruit and the place. Fermentation continues throughout the winter, followed by aging on lees until spring, which provides structure and a fuller texture. The 2024 vintage here yields a straight, crystalline Alsace Riesling deeply marked by its limestone origin. This cuvée stands out for its dry, tense, and mineral style, where the grape's energy meets the stony rigor of the terroir.
On tasting, the Domaine Loew Riesling Muschelkalk 2024 reveals a precise and very readable profile, centered on citrus freshness and mineral tension. The nose evokes lemon zest, slightly candied lime, and a stony note reminiscent of flint. On the palate, the attack is lively, clear, and slender, with well-integrated acidity that gives the wine its backbone. Aging on lees brings slight breadth without ever diverting the wine from its straight and saline expression. The finish is long, fresh, and chiselled, with a sensation of purity that extends the limestone character of the Muschelkalk. This Alsace Riesling will ideally accompany oysters, raw or marinated fish, veal head, fish sauerkraut, or traditional rich dishes balanced by the wine's liveliness. It can be enjoyed young for its lemony brightness but also has a good aging potential thanks to its tension, minerality, and dry balance.
Grape variety: 100% Riesling
