The terroir
To the south of the village of Bennwihr, on the outskirts of the Kaysersberg valley, the Marckrain vineyard lies on the famous Route des Vins at an altitude of between 200 and 300 metres. It benefits from very favourable east and south-east exposure and the well-known microclimate specific to the Colmar region. The 53.35 hectare terroir is made up of coastal conglomerate of Oligocene origin. The soil type is marl-limestone with predominantly oolitic limestone pebbles with interbedded marl.
Gewurztraminer reigns here. Pinot Gris d’Alsace is also found here.
Bennwihr, the ‘Domaine de Beno’, is documented as far back as 777, under the name of Beno Villare. The Celtic road along the Vosges foothills once passed at the foot of the Marckrain slopes.
Gewurztraminer Marckrain is a well-balanced, full-bodied, powerful wine with complex, well-developed aromas.
The Pinot Gris offers fine, discreet fruitiness; it is heady and fragrant with aromas typical of the terroir.
The wines
« The wines are generally rich in sugar, a sign of the high levels of ripeness that this Grand Cru allows. A generous, honeyed structure coats the palate and finds a subtle balance through the presence of a melted, chiselled freshness that remains central in the mouth. This ‘underlying’ tension provides balance and allows the wine to remain pleasantly digestible. The long finish blossoms with pleasure in an exotic register.
Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer dominate the production of this wine. These two varieties have spicy flavours and pastry notes that give the wines a distinct aromatic complexity. »
The vintages
The spicy, fruity pleasure of this wine makes it ready to drink in the first few years, then age admirably. Time will intensify the spicy notes and integrate the richness.
In early vintages: notes of fresh, yellow or exotic fruit come to the fore, combining with power and a honeyed character.
Late vintages: the fine ripeness remains a hallmark of this vintage, with a concentration that evolves more towards notes of candied or roasted fruit.
Pairings
The generosity of Markrain and its pastry-like aromas make it a natural partner for desserts and end-of-meal pleasures. The wine’s richness combines easily with custards, chiboust or mousses. It can also be served with foie gras, either in a terrine or pan-fried, which brings out the spicy flavours of this wine.
Photo © ZVARDON / Textes CIVA – www.VinsAlsace.com
