Wine Review - Valentin Zusslin AU'rige 2016

As my first official review as part of the Alsace Wine Review, I wanted to pay tribute to a favorite producer of mine. 

One of my favorite parts of exploring and experiencing wine is when producers are working with local, less widely known grape varietals.

This 2016 vintage of the AU'rigine from Domaine Valentin Zusslin is 100% Pinot Auxerroix. 

The estate, located around the town of Orschwihr, is currently in its 13th generation of family ownership and has been a pioneer of organic and biodynamic wines in the French region of Alsace. 

Pinot Auxerrois is thought to have originated in Alsace, and is also grown in Germany primarily in Baden and the Palatinate.

The vineyards are located on limestone, sandstone, and alluvial soils primarily around Bollenberg. After manual harvest and direct pressing, vinification was carried out with native yeasts in 30 hectoliter wooden tuns. The wine then aged on its fine lees for over 1 year. 

Deep gold in appearance, this wine is expressive of bruised yellow apple, honeysuckle, and salted caramel on the nose with additional notes of citrus peel and ripe pear on the palate. It has kept a bright acidity and a rich and inviting mouthfeel. 

This is a beautiful wine which shines on its own or I would pair with cheeses such as Epoisses, Munster and Grès d'Alsace, Flammekueche/Tarte Flambée, Zwiebelkuchen, or Mauricettes!

This is a highly recommended wine!