Created during the German Triassic geological period, Rosacker sits on a Muschelkalk and Lettenkhole parent rock. Limestone soils are rich in minerals and promote good water retention. They give rise to complex Riesling wines with vibrant acidity, flavors of lime and floral notes, with a large acidity. Situated within the Hunawihr municipality, the Grand Cru Rosacker spans a rectangular expanse along the north side of the village, ascending towards the entrance of the enclosed valley at the village's summit. Positioned at elevations ranging from 260 to 330 meters, the east/south-east-facing hillside provides a commanding view of the Alsace plain.

The grapes are hand-harvested and pressed in whole bunches. After a long, gentle pressing, the juice settles naturally in tanks. Fermentation happens slowly at a cool temperature, lasting up to three months, followed by several months of aging. These careful steps help preserve the wine’s true character. The winery avoid malolactic fermentation to keep its fresh aromas and natural vibrancy.

Tasting Notes: The wine typically exhibits a pale to medium lemon color, indicating its youthfulness and vibrancy. Upon nosing, the wine releases an aromatic symphony. Initial notes may include intense citrus fruits such as lime, lemon, and grapefruit. There's often a floral bouquet with hints of white flowers, followed by a subtle mineral undertone that reflects the unique terroir of Rosacker. The first sip unveils a bright and lively acidity, a hallmark of Riesling. The taste is dominated by a medley of citrus flavors, with the zesty acidity contributing to a refreshing and crisp profile. There's a remarkable balance between the fruitiness and the pronounced mineral character, creating a harmonious and well-structured palate. The finish is long and lingering, leaving a trail of citrus zest and a distinct minerality.

Food Pairing: Try it with fresh oysters, crab, or scallops. The wine's acidity cuts through the richness of the shellfish, while the citrus notes harmonize with the delicate flavors. The citrus notes in the Riesling can harmonize beautifully with dishes that feature citrus-based sauces, such as lemon or orange-infused seafood. 

Jancis Robinson MW: "Real vibrancy on the nose and palate of this wine. No shortage of tension! This positively thrums on the palate! It comes to an assertive stop at the moment, leaving you in no doubt as to its quality, so it might be a little bit of a shame to drink it too early." 17.5+/20

If you like your Riesling focused, structured and very precise, start here. Rosacker lies above Hunawihr on limestone-rich soils. The vineyard produces Riesling with a strong mineral backbone, bright citrus character and plenty of tension. Rosacker comes from five parcels with varying combinations of Triassic limestone and clay.  This is the bottle to open for someone who thinks Riesling is always soft, fruity or sweet. 96 points, Vinous. Drinking window: 2028–2060