Vignobles François Baur 2005 Tasting Notes

Pierre has always been passionate about the care and attention he gives to his wines and terroir, and from 2001 has been working towards official recognition in biodynamie, a regime of totally natural care of the vines. You could describe it as being super-organic. Having started this new regime in 2001 and following it through in subsequent years, we were delighted that in 2004 he was officially accredited. The results are now coming through with increasingly sophisticated and refined wines.

Riesling Grand Cru Brand 2001
After a mixed bag of summer weather the autumn was dry and hot giving very good conditions for the harvest of ripe grapes in top condition. This vintage provided Pierre’s first biodynamique Riesling, and he describes it as better than anything before! A very long and gentle fermentation ensured the maximum fruit extraction, and the wine is wonderfully delicious and smooth. Rieslings are sometimes a little too acidic but this is supremely balanced with the levels of residual sugar blending perfectly with the natural acidity. This makes it an excellent wine for sipping chilled as an apéritif, or accompanying fish and white meats. Drink now or keep for up to 10 years (if you can!).

Gewürztraminer Herrenweg 2002
Pierre says this is the twin of the 2001 vintage, the first year of his biodynamie cultivation. Made from grapes grown on the Herrenweg plain to the south of the village, this Gewürztraminer has a characteristic bouquet of ripe, exotic fruits, and is one of the most opulent and easily recognisable of all the many grape varieties. The round supple taste is long and luscious, but with such well-balanced sweetness that it is not cloying. It goes very well with many highly-seasoned dishes, including spicy curries - indeed it is one of the best matches for Indian and Asian cuisine. It is also a good choice with strong cheese, and fruit-based desserts. Drink now or keep for up to 10 years.

Pinot Gris Herrenweg 2002
Unlike the Gewürztraminer, Pierre says this 2002 vintage is definitely not a twin of its 2001 predecessor. With lower levels of residual sugar marrying well with the acidity, this is a very well-balanced fruit-loaded wine where the open bouquet of apricot, honey and lemon follows through to the palate with an agreeable sweetness and wonderful balancing acidity. A delicious chilled apéritif, it goes particularly well with fish in a rich sauce, meat pâtés, and its partner par excellence, foie gras. This wine will also cellar well for up to 10 years.