2019 Kappelweg de Rorschwihr Riesling, Domaine Rolly Gassmann

• Style: Mineral, racy Riesling
• Taste: Citrus snap, stone fruit, flinty minerality, razor-sharp acidity
• Food: Seafood, charcuterie, spiced dishes, roasted beetroot
• Occasion: Sunday lunch, date night, aperitivo
• Serve: Chill well; drink now or cellar through mid-2030s

In the Glass — Tasting Notes

Clarity and precision define this cool-climate Riesling: citrus snap and stone-fruit warmth arrive in balance over a bed of flinty minerality that speaks to the ancient blue-grey marl limestone beneath the vines. At 12.5% ABV with 45g/L residual sugar, gentle fruit sweetness plays a supporting role while the palate stays razor-sharp, alive with driving acidity that demands food.

The Winery — Domaine Rolly Gassmann

A family concern rooted in the 17th century, the Domaine was formally established in 1967 through marriage of the Rolly and Gassmann families. Now led by second-generation Pierre Gassmann, it spans 52 hectares in the Haut-Rhin region, with 40 in Rorschwihr and 10 in Bergheim. The domaine is celebrated for ageing and releasing only wines deemed ready to drink, backed by a legendary cellar holding around 1.5 million bottles. Pierre's vision culminated in a gravity-fed winery completed in 2019—locals call it 'The Cathedral'—built into the hillside with a six-tier design housing vinification, cellar and tasting-room. The 2019 Kappelweg comes from a steep, cool slope between 220–235 metres, farmed organically and biodynamically. The vintage was challenging: late summer warmth and drought gave way to August rain that ensured even ripening. In cellar, 12–15 hours of skin contact on the press maximised aromatic extraction; wild fermentation followed, then 11 months on fine lees in large, ancient oak casks—depth without dominance.

At Your Table — Food Pairing & Serving

This is a wine that demands to be drunk, not merely admired. Pair it with seafood, charcuterie, roasted beetroot or dishes carrying spice and honey-mustard sauce. It sits happily alongside the rest of our Riesling selection and the broader offerings from Alsace, representing the serious winemaking found throughout France. Chill well and drink now, or cellar with confidence through the mid-2030s.