Wines Alsace Domaine Wehrle - Riesling Rebgarten - 2018

The 2018 Domaine Wehrle Cuvée Riesling Rebgarten from Alsace is an exemplary dry white wine, crafted entirely from the noble Riesling grape. The 2018 vintage is particularly notable for its balance, showcasing both the elegance and the vivacity which Riesling can achieve in this famed region. Produced on the family-run Domaine Wehrle, this cuvée is named “Rebgarten”—literally “vine garden”—in reference to its origin from a specific, carefully tended plot. Classic Alsace vinification methods are employed, with meticulous hand-harvesting and pressing, followed by fermentation in stainless steel tanks, preserving both purity of fruit and a crystalline expression of the terroir. Expect a luminous pale straw robe and an expressive bouquet of citrus zest, green apple, white peach, and delicate floral notes, underpinned by an incisive minerality characteristic of Riesling from this area.

Alsace, sitting at the eastern edge of France along the Rhine, is blessed with a semi-continental climate, providing hot, dry summers and long, sunny autumns that promote full grape maturity. Protected by the Vosges mountains, rainfall is relatively low, allowing grapes to reach optimal ripeness while maintaining freshness and high natural acidity. The diverse mosaic of soils—ranging from granite to limestone and clay—contributes complexity to the wines. Alsace has a rich viticultural history, shaped by its Franco-German cultural heritage, and Riesling is one of the flagship varieties, renowned for its finesse and ageing potential.

This fresh, vivacious Riesling is a versatile partner at the table. Enjoy it with classic Alsatian dishes such as choucroute garnie (sauerkraut with sausages and pork), or pair with seafood—grilled prawns, smoked salmon, or moules marinières harmonise beautifully. Its dry, zesty profile also complements Asian cuisine, particularly sushi, or spicy Thai salads. For cheese, try a tangy goat's cheese or a semi-soft Munster.

For optimal enjoyment, serve chilled at around 8-10°C. Open the bottle shortly before pouring to appreciate the aromatic bouquet at its brightest, and use medium-sized white wine glasses to focus the wine's lively aromas and mineral purity. This 2018 vintage can be enjoyed now for its youthful energy, or cellared for another three to five years to allow further complexity to unfold.