Cave de Ribeauville, Riesling Collection Vendanges Manuelles, 2022

ABOUT THE WINE. Founded in 1895, Cave de Ribeauvillé is France’s oldest wine cooperative and still one of Alsace’s most forward-thinking. Its growers farm some of the region’s best-situated vineyards around Ribeauvillé, and all fruit is hand-picked under a strict quality charter to keep yields low. The Collection range showcases the classic Alsace grapes in a clean, expressive style. 2022 in Alsace was a sunny, generous vintage, giving perfectly ripe Riesling with excellent aromatic purity and a lively, balancing freshness.. TASTING NOTES. Riesling – often called the “king of Alsace” – shows beautifully here: lime, pink grapefruit and white flowers on the nose, followed by a lean, stony minerality on the palate. The 2022 has just a touch of residual sugar to round the citrus, but the bright acidity keeps it crisp, dry-tasting and very drinkable. Long, pure, persistent finish.. FOOD PAIRING. Ideal with seafood, prawns, smoked trout, sushi, crudités and canapé, or light summer salads. Also excellent as an aperitif.. FRIARWOOD SAYS. Hand-picked grapes + low yields + a textbook Alsace vintage = a super-reliable, versatile 2022 Riesling that punches well above its level.