2020 PINOT BLANC, Terres d’Étoiles, Mittnacht. Alsace

70% Pinot Blanc, 30% Pinot Auxerrois, matured for 9 months on the lees in foudres (large, old oak barrels).

Agent Thorman Hunt: “This domaine is run by Christophe and his charming wife Yuka, a talented Japanese chef. Two years ago, Christophe separated from his cousin Marc and the 20 or so hectares of Domaine Mittnacht Frères were equally split. They own and farm some of the finest sites around Ribeauvillé, Hunawihr and Ribeauvillé, including the Grand Cru Rosacker and Grand Cru Osterberg (source of the fabled Clos St Hune and Cuvée Emile). They were one of the first domaines in Alsace to convert to biodynamic viticulture in 1999. Christophe believes in minimum intervention, and allowing the soil to express the minerality of each terroir. These wines are super gastronomical, pure fruit, sharp acidity and lovely minerality. 2019 was Christophe’s first vintage where he has made the wine in his own new cellars – exciting!”

The second year that Mittnacht have made what they call a Cuvée Vegane. The idea is not to be only for vegans, but made in as natural a way as possible and with food in mind. They feel it will be well suited to vegetarian or vegan dishes. (As opposed to the kind of easy-drinking aperitif in which style Pinot Blanc is normal made). This has some richness of texture and gentle aromatic complexity. Only minimal sulphur added so they recommend drinking within 2 years of bottling.