Domaine Valentin Zusslin "Au'rigine" Pinot Auxerrois 2022

"Au'rigine" is a supremely elegant monovarietal expression of one of Alsace's native grapes, Pinot Auxerrois, rarely seen on its own in still form, from one of its best progenitors. Pinot Auxerrois, also known as Auxerrois, is a white wine with a fresh, fruity and aromatic profile and supple, light texture. 

Predominantly fruity aromas of white and yellow fruits, ripe pear skin and orange peel are married to fine tannins on the barely medium-bodied palate of this lively yet mellow and well-structured dry white wine. Flavors of ripe orchard fruits like pear and apple, citrus and a subtle minerality with a chalky lift. Supple and smooth, with a refreshing light acidity. 

100% biodynamically-farmed Pinot Auxerrois. Direct pressing of whole harvests. Vinification carried out in tuns without the slightest input and with minimal interventions in order to preserve the aromatic purity. Aged for one year on fine lees to ensure maximum balance and volume in the mouth as well as total aromatic development. Bottling with a very low addition of sulfur.

Founded in 1691, the Zusslin wine estate has now been farmed by 13 generations of the Zusslin family. The vineyards are located in the Southern part of Alsace in Orschwir on the Bollenberg, Clos Liebenberg (Monopole) and Pfingstberg Grand Cru hillsides. They converted to full biodynamics in 1997 to pursue dramatic biodiversity in their vineyards, some of which are protected as Natura 2000 zones and house over 150 species of plants.

Horse-plowed fields, birds as pest control, rigorously hand-sorted grapes, wines aged in foudre with extended lees contact. A strict selection of their grapes in the vineyards and at the cellar gives to the wines concentration and elegancy. These are special wines that clearly showcase the terroir. The vitality, substance & moreover the energy given by the biodynamic viticulture make Zusslin’s wines worth enjoying and drinking.