Founded in 1854 by Aloyse Meyer, the house of Josmeyer is now run by Céline Meyer, representing the fifth generation, assisted by her sister Isabelle Meyer who is in charge of the cellar. Situated amid the communes of Wintzenhiem, Turkheim and Wettolsheim, the Josmeyer domaine covers an area of 25 ha, of which 5 are the slopes of the AOC Grand Cru Brand and Hengst vineyards.
The domaine has been worked fully to biodynamic principles since 2000, having been organic for many years prior to this, in accordance with the family’s conviction that “the pursuit of excellence in harmony with the earth” will express both terroir and varietal character more dramatically.
Soft sensual wines are produced from the flat alluvial deposits in the valley, whilst the combined calcareous and marl soils of the 360 metre high Hengst vineyard yield rich, full-bodied wines and those from the deep granite soil of Brand are incisive and fine structured. Artificial chemicals and fertilisers are prohibited and the soil is maintained by ploughing (with oxen) and green cover.
The average age of the vines is 25 years and with hard pruning and the use of only natural fertilisers, yields at Josmeyer are far lower than the average for Alsace.
Pinot Blanc ‘Mise du Printemps’ 2017
Varietal: Pinot Blanc/Pinot Auxerrois
Alcohol: 12.5%
Residual sugar: 4 g/l
Oak-ageing: Unoaked
Closure: Natural cork
Tasting Note:
The nose is open and expressive with fresh notes of grapefruit and white flowers. The balance of the wine has linear and clear vibrancy. The wine has a juicy character, spontaneous with a nice structure. Friendly and easy drinking, it finishes on a long and fresh aftertaste.
Riesling ‘Le Kottabe’ 2014
Varietal: 100% Riesling
Alcohol: 13.5%
Residual Sugar: 4 g/l
Oak-ageing: Unoaked
Closure: Natural cork
Tasting Note:
Soft notes of blossom and apricot strike a gentle balance in this wine, with hints of ripe, juicy apple on the dry but wonderfully aromatic palate. The more you sip, the more nuances appear: nettle, grapefruit peel, white currant and peach. It offers a sprightly and weightless body despite the flavour concentration.
Pinot Gris ‘Le Fromenteau’ 2014
Varietal: 100% Pinot Gris
Alcohol: 14%
Residual Sugar: 7 g/l
Oak-ageing: Unoaked
Closure: Natural Cork
Tasting Note:
Smoky and ripe notes of Comice pear mingle with the honeyed spice of gingerbread on the nose of this wine. The palate counters this aromatic richness with a steely, concentrated core of fresh citrus with apple and quince notes. It offers a great play-off of richness and utter precision; for a wonderful expression of 2014. This wine will continue to develop.
Gewurztraminer ‘Les Folastries’ 2015
Varietal: 100% Gewurztraminer
Alcohol: 14%
Residual Sugar: 10 g/l
Oak ageing: Unoaked
Closure: Natural cork
Tasting Note:
The nose is open and elegant with flowers (roses) and exotic fruits. The mouth have a nice balance between sugar and alcohol. It’s ample, full but harmonious. Fruit and flowers are still present and finish on freshness.
Riesling ‘Le Dragon’ 2014
Varietal: 100% Riesling
Alcohol: 12.5%
Residual Sugar: 5 g/l
Oak-ageing: Unoaked
Closure: Natural cork
Tasting Note:
Lithe and dry, this white is subtly laced with floral, apple and mineral aromas and flavours. It’s balanced and harmonious, with a long, mouthwatering finish.
Pinot Blanc ‘Les Lutins’ 2013
Varietal: 100% Pinot Blanc
Alcohol: 13.5%
Residual Sugar: 8 g/l
Oak-ageing: Unoaked
Closure: Natural cork
Tasting Note:
Wonderfully fresh, zesty fruit, with freshness emphasised by a touch of spritz mid-palate, and lime zest on finish. A great wine for drinking either with food or without.
Riesling ‘Les Pierrets’ 2014
Varietal: 100% Riesling
Alcohol: 13%
Residual Sugar: 5 g/l
Oak-ageing: Unoaked
Closure: Natural cork
Tasting Note:
Soft aromas of peach and apricot. Sweet and supple on the palate, with ripe citrus and delicate spice flavours that persist nicely.
Gewurztraminer ‘Les Archenets’ 2008
Varietal: 100% Gewürztraminer
Alcohol: 13.5%
Residual sugar: 14 g/l
Oak-ageing: Unoaked
Closure: Natural Cork
Tasting Note:
Yellow-gold in colour. A brilliantly intense and smoky nose with great perfume and complexity. Hugely powerful, ripe palate with good balancing acidity. Stylish and very long; drinking beautifully.
Pinot Gris ‘1854 – Fondation’ 2011
Varietal: 100% Pinot Gris
Alcohol: 13.5%
Residual sugar: 7 g/l
Oak-ageing: Unoaked
Closure: Natural Cork
Tasting Note:
Drawn from vines of which the oldest were planted in the 1930’s. Shiny mid-yellow in colour. Huge black fruit intensity and richness on the palate with great concentration and serious weight. Impressive length and balance.
Pinot Auxerrois ‘H’ Vieilles Vignes 2015
Varietal: 100% Pinot Auxerrois
Alcohol: 13%
Residual Sugar: 3 g/l
Oak-ageing: Unoaked
Closure: Natural cork
Tasting Note:
Bone dry, yet full, rich and nutty in character. The flavours don’t jump out of the glass, yet run deep in this complex white. Citrus, apple and mineral are the main flavour themes, with superb cut and fine length.
Riesling Grand Cru Hengst 2015
Varietal: 100% Riesling
Alcohol: 12.5%
Residual Sugar: 9 g/l
Oak-ageing: Unoaked
Closure: Natural Cork
Tasting Note:
Vivid golden-tinged yellow. The nose hints at aromas of lime, white flowers, minerals and brown sugar. Clean and fresh; bright, harmonious acidity lifts the rich pomaceous fruit and sweet spice flavours. The finish is long, with suggestions of lemongrass and crystallized ginger, plus liquorice and spice notes typical of Hengst.
Pinot Gris Grand Cru Brand 2015
Varietal: 100% Pinot Gris
Alcohol: 14.0%
Residual Sugar: 12 g.l
Oak-ageing: Unoaked
Closure: Natural Cork
Tasting Note:
Rich, off-dry and laced with smoke, apricot, honey and mineral aromas and flavours, all backed by a vibrant structure. This transcends the grape variety, revealing the stamp of the earth where it is grown. Beautifully expressed.
Riesling Grand Cru Hengst Vendange Tardive 2001
Varietal: 100% Riesling
Alcohol: 12.5%
Residual sugar: 50 g/l
Oak-ageing: Unoaked
Closure: Natural Cork
Tasting Note:
This rare cuveé is only produced in exceptional years. Aromas of fresh and dried apricot and peach skin. An off dry version of a vendange tardive with a tight balance, with flavours of crystallised lemon peel and confectioner’s sugar. Highly aromatic and fine on the very long finish.
