This very un-Alsatian, Alsatian pét-nat - forget Cremant d'Alsace, this is something very different; a juicy blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and aromatic Muscat that goes into the bottle during its primary fermentation, is left to finish its conversion under the closure of a crown cap and is not disgorged, leaving, in this case, a fairly healthy dose of lees sediment in the bottle.
The reason for this is two-fold. The extended contact with the lees negates the addition of sulphur in the wine - something Beck-Hartweg use very sparingly if the wine needs it, and in cases like this not at all. It also changes the appearance and flavour of the wine, lending salinity and texture. This is a big bomb of fruit that has something of a berry coulis about it, very fleshy, pulpy and concentrated. The Muscat provides that floral, aromatic lift and musky perfume that gives that heady aroma of the botanical garden. The pét nat heads will find much to enjoy here.
Beck-Hartweg is one of the historic domaines of Alsace which can be traced back to the early 16th century. They're located in the medieval town of Dambach-La-Ville, a quintessentially Alsatian village, built upon a unique and homogenous pink granite bedrock. Florian and Mathilde are the 16th generation at the domaine and despite their young age (early 30s) they've already gained a solid reputation as a skilled and progressive representative of the future of Alsace. Respect and increase of life through their soils and vines have been the main focus for the past two generations, with the return of grass in the vineyards from 1982 and organic certification in 2011.
