Riesling is the only grape variety in the world capable of standing up to a rich bouillabaisse, the famous fish soup from Marseille, even when it is particularly spicy and full of flavour. This gives a good idea of the substance and character of this French grape variety. Cuvée René Riesling by Dopff & Irion is a perfect expression of this. We are in the heart of Alsace, France, in the medieval gem of Riquewihr. This is where the historic Dopff & Irion maison is based. The vineyards lie on the slopes of the Vosges mountains, which protect the region from rain and make the climate dry and sunny. Here, Riesling finds the ideal conditions to ripen slowly, developing a sharp freshness and that characteristic minerality that makes it unique. 100% Riesling, this white grape variety is considered by many to be the most noble white grape variety in the world, capable of maintaining remarkable acidity even when fully ripe. The result is a structured, dry and vibrant wine with a surprising capacity for evolution. To enhance the purity of the fruit and the mineral character of the soil, this wine is vinified entirely in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. This choice aims to preserve the fresh and varietal aromas as much as possible. The fundamental part of the process is ageing on fine lees for six months before bottling. This prolonged contact with spent yeasts enriches the wine, giving it greater volume on the palate, complexity and a persistence that it would not otherwise have. Bright straw yellow in colour, this white wine offers a complex bouquet on the nose. In addition to the classic notes of white fruit, there are more unusual and intriguing hints of almond, grey pepper and turmeric, all enveloped in an intense mineral sensation. When you taste it, you understand why it is so revered. It is lively, fresh and balanced, with a vibrant acidity that holds up the structure. It is easy to drink but not light-bodied. Each sip lingers in a long, fruity and mineral finish. Thanks to its excellent natural acidity, Riesling is a champion of longevity among white wines. This bottle is at its best in the first 3-5 years, when its freshness is at its peak, but it can easily evolve for over 10 years. Over time, it will develop the famous and sought-after notes of hydrocarbon and honey, acquiring further complexity.