Alsace Orange "Le Jeu des Verts" [Gruenspiel]

Score

96

"The 2022 "Le jeu des verts" blends Riesling, Blanc de Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer already in the field on the clay marl soils of the Gruenspiel vineyard but also on the mash that was fermented for four of five weeks in stainless steel before the wine was aged in a 35-hectoliter foudre until the bottling in September 2023. Since Mathieu ferments the wine on the skins, particularly in warm years, it comes with a modified label and only the French-translated name of the original cru. The salmon-orange colored wine opens with a clear, very elegant and aromatic nose of redcurrant and more red berries. The wine is dry, very intense and powerful on the palate, nicely bitter (almost like a Campari) but also dense, highly complex and very long. This is an orange wine with red-wine character and fine tannins. Impressive. Bottled in September 2023, tasted at the domaine in April 2024."

Score

94

Score

91

"The 2022 Le Jeu de Vert is from the Gruenspiel site (French translations of site names are used for all macerated wines) on Triassic marl soils. It is a field blend of Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and some Pinot Noir. Pressed white, the deep pink color originates from the Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer. Gentle, peppery spice has a backdrop of red, ripe plum skin on the nose. The palate is juicy, with fine, barely-there yet present tannins that frame a ripe juiciness that adds hints of pomegranate to ripe pear and yellow plum. The finish reveals the finesse of the phenolic structure, which is mouth-watering and totally appetizing. (Bone-Dry)"