Joseph Cattin Alsace Riesling 2023

Joseph Cattin is a distinguished family-owned winery in Voegtlinshoffen, a village nestled in the foothills of the Vosges Mountains in Alsace, France. With a winemaking heritage dating back to 1720, the Cattin family has cultivated a reputation for producing high-quality wines that reflect the region's unique terroir. The estate spans 65 hectares, with 80% of the vineyards situated on slopes, benefiting from diverse soils such as clay, limestone, sandstone, and marl. This variety contributes to the complexity and character of their wines. The winery is managed by the 12th generation of the Cattin family, who uphold traditional winemaking practices while embracing modern techniques. Their portfolio includes a range of varietals, with a particular focus on Crémant d'Alsace, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris. Notably, their Grand Cru wines, such as the Hatschbourg, are produced using old oak "foudres" to enhance the expression of the terroir. Committed to sustainability, Joseph Cattin practices organic farming across their vineyards, although they are not certified.

The Alsace wine region, located in northeastern France along the Rhine River, is renowned for its exceptional wines. This region stretches from Marlenheim in the north to Thann in the south, encompassing a diverse landscape influenced by French and German cultures. The Vosges Mountains to the west create a rain shadow effect, making Alsace one of the driest wine regions in France. It also has a unique microclimate that is ideal for viticulture.

Alsace's vineyards cover approximately 15,500 hectares and produce wines under three main appellations: Alsace AOC, Alsace Grand Cru AOC, and Crémant d'Alsace AOC. The Alsace AOC includes a variety of white, rosé, and red wines. At the same time, Alsace Grand Cru AOC designates the region's top-quality vineyard sites, focusing primarily on four noble grape varieties: Riesling, Pinot Gris, Muscat, and Gewurztraminer. Crémant d'Alsace, the region's sparkling wine, follows traditional Champagne methods and primarily uses Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Riesling grapes.

Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat are the cornerstone grapes of Alsace, known for producing aromatic and expressive wines. The region also produces notable Pinot Noir wines, typically lighter in style than those from Burgundy. However, warmer summers are leading to more robust expressions of this grape.

The Alsace Wine Route, established in 1953, spans 170 kilometers and offers a picturesque journey through charming villages, medieval towns, and stunning vineyards. Key stops along the route include Strasbourg, Ribeauville, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, and Colmar, each offering unique cultural and historical experiences and opportunities to taste and explore the region's diverse wines.