Bott Geyl Metiss 2021

Alsace Métiss was previously sold as the good wine of Alsace (Gentil d'Alsace), but in 2013 Jean-Christophe thought the wine deserved a slightly more distinctive name, after which he pulled this originally Hebrew boy's name out of the hat, meaning "a gift sent from the gods". At the same time, he slipped free from the rules that apply to a Gentil d'Alsace, and Métiss is thus almost a free interpretation of what we once called Edelzwicker.

The grapes come mainly from a handful of winegrowers who have broken with the mighty Maison Bestheim (the former cooperative Cave de Bennwihr) to grow their fruit organically, and subsequently get a slightly better settlement with Bott-Geyl. The grape mixture varies slightly from year to year, but it is always the perfumed Muscat that plays the leading role, followed by Riesling, Pinot Blanc and finally up to 20% of the now rarely seen Chasselas.

The harvest is manual, and the grapes arrive at Bott-Geyl a few hours after they are picked. Here, the entire bunches are gently pressed, after which the must is allowed to settle and gather aromas for up to a week before the temperature is raised slightly so that fermentation can start naturally without the addition of foreign yeast strains. Fermentation continues for up to 6 months, depending on the sugar content of the must and the temperature in the cellar, and then the wine rests sur Lie for a further 6 months before it is bottled without clarification or filtration.

The result is a dry, but also very mild wine, with lots of flowers, pear and peach in both aroma and taste. Full-bodied, almost luscious and at the same time aromatic and juicy. It can easily be enjoyed on its own, but it is also good with fried fish, heartier salads and indeed also well-seasoned grilled pork sausages.

Seen at DKK 146/fl at Løgismose