Wines Alsace Grand Cru Fernand Engel - Altengarten de Bergheim - 2024

Viniou Reviews

The Fernand Engel Cuvée Altengarten de Bergheim 2024 from Alsace Grand Cru AOC is a remarkable white wine that exemplifies the region’s profound expression of terroir and varietal. Crafted from organically grown grapes, this cuvée hails from the esteemed Altengarten vineyard, nestled in the vicinity of Bergheim. While the precise grape variety is not stated, it is customary for Grand Cru sites in Alsace to focus on noble varieties such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris or Muscat. In the 2024 vintage, the wine is likely to showcase vibrant freshness with a clear structure, reflective of both the organic viticulture and meticulous vinification practised by Fernand Engel.

Alsace is one of France’s premier white wine regions, nestled along the eastern slopes of the Vosges Mountains. This sheltering effect from the mountains results in low rainfall, an extended growing season, and significant diurnal temperature swings – all key to the aromatic complexity and finesse typical of Alsace wines. The soils in the Bergheim sector are particularly diverse, ranging from marl and limestone to clay, lending the wines a nuanced mineral backbone. Historically, Alsace has shifted between French and German control, shaping both the culture and the grape varieties; its Grand Cru designations are a testament to centuries of thoughtful viticulture and winemaking.

The crisp, expressive style of a Grand Cru Alsace Blanc is a superb companion to a number of dishes. For a classic regional match, consider pairing it with choucroute garnie, munster cheese, or a delicately prepared trout with almonds. It will also enhance more cosmopolitan fare such as sushi, seafood risotto, asparagus with hollandaise, or poultry in creamy sauces. If the wine were to be leaning toward Gewurztraminer or Pinot Gris, rich spiced dishes and ripe cheeses would work especially well; for a Riesling-based cuvée, the focus could shift towards shellfish and citrus-accented salads.

For optimum enjoyment, serve the Fernand Engel Cuvée Altengarten de Bergheim at a temperature of 8-10°C, using modestly sized white wine glasses to concentrate its aromas and reveal its full palate intricacies. If cellared, this Grand Cru should develop beautifully over several years, further enhancing its complexity and character.