Domaine Albert Mann, Pinot Noir, Clos de La Faille, Alsace, France, 2020

Producer Profile

This domaine is an amalgamation of two great winemaking families – the Manns (winemakers since the 17th century) and the Barthelmés (winemakers since 1654) who are the current owners.

Located in Wettolsheim, in the heart of Alsace, the estate is ideally placed to produce wine of the highest quality from vineyards that include some of the regions most iconic crus. Biodynamic since 1997, the work and investment put in by this winery has given its wines their own unique identity.

Viticulture

This is the only Clos in Alsace planted with 100% Pinot Noir. The upper part of the vineyard contains rolled pebbles of pink Vosges sandstone, variegated sandstone and limestone sandstone. In the middle, there are fine-grained grey pebbles of shell limestone and yellow pebbles of Jurassic limestone. At the foot of the vineyard, there is a mixture of Vosges sandstone and white and pink quartz. The vines were planted in 1998.

Tasting Note

This has unique aromas for a Pinot Noir, cedar, smoke, cigar, leather and truffle as well as chocolate, then comes blackberry, cherry and plum. This continues on the the palate where it is joined with spice notes, cinnamon, pepper and juniper berry as well as some herbs such as mint and thyme. Powerful but very elegant.

Food Matching

Mushroom ravioli, roasted mullet or baked rabbit.