Gustave Lorentz Riesling Réserve 2016 – A Family Riesling Since the 17th Century
The Gustave Lorentz winery was founded in 1836, though the family history stretches back to the mid-17th century. Jean-Georges Lorentz, a blacksmith and winegrower, was the first of the family to settle in Bergheim in 1748. Today, Maison Gustave Lorentz owns 33 hectares of vineyard on the hillsides of Bergheim, 12.8 of which are classified as Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergheim and 1.75 as Grand Cru Kanzlerberg. Their motto says it all: “One family, one village, seven generations of winegrowers.”
The estate began its conversion to organic farming in 2009 and received Ecocert organic certification in 2012. Gustave Lorentz generates around 50% of its sales through exports and is present in over 60 countries.
The Wine
The Riesling Réserve is a 100% Riesling produced under the AOC Alsace appellation. The grapes are sourced from various hillside vineyards around the village of Bergheim, with a predominance of clay-limestone soils.
Winemaking
The grapes are harvested by hand, generally in early October, and whole-bunch pressed. The free-run juice undergoes cold settling for 12 to 24 hours to remove impurities. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks using a combination of natural and selected yeasts. The wine is then racked twice: first to separate the lees, and a second time to clarify it.
Tasting Notes
Pale yellow in colour with green tints. On the nose, expressive aromas of citrus and white flowers. On the palate, a lively attack with refreshing acidity, generous lime and Granny Smith apple, good structure, a fruity character, and a clean, dry finish.
The 2016 Vintage in Alsace
The 2016 vintage in Alsace was an uneven year, yet it yielded white wines with good acidity and aromatic expression, particularly well-suited to Riesling, which retained the freshness and mineral tension that are hallmarks of the region.
Food Pairing
This Riesling pairs particularly well with pork, squash and root vegetables, white fish, duck, and both goat’s and blue cheeses.
In short, the Gustave Lorentz Riesling Réserve 2016 is a dry to off-dry Alsatian Riesling — fresh, mineral, and crafted with care by one of the region’s most respected houses. An ideal choice for those seeking an elegant white wine with character and excellent value for money.
Key Facts to Help You Decide
Price and where buy it
Approximate price: Between €19 and €25.
Where to buy: Available at specialist wine merchants and online retailers, as well as directly from the winery.
Is it worth it? A wine that beautifully reflects the tradition and history of Alsatian winemaking and the true essence of Riesling.
Before purchasing, it is worth comparing prices and availability across different retailers.
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