Alsace wine producer: Paul Blanck, Kientzheim

Every wine region have their world-wide ambassadors, those who carry the burden (?) of representing and promoting an in-numerous number of colleagues. In Alsace, one of the (two) principal ambassadors is Domaine Paul Blanck, normally represented by the charming, inviting and warm-hearted Philippe Blanck. While he takes care of the external relations, his cousin Fréderic is in charge of the vines and the wine-making.

All about Paul Blanck deals with respect: respect for the terroirs, the traditions and the customers. Other key words are curiosity, ambitions, knowledge and - hospitality. Because despite its' size, Paul Blanck is a "vigneron independant". That means that Paul Blanck does not buy grapes, they receive visitors and they are more willing to share their passion with their likes.

In total, the domaine cultivates some 35 ha of vines: 1/3 on Grand Cru, 1/3 on lieux-dits and 1/3 on the plaine d'Alsace. However, each year they declassify 50% of wine from the superior terroirs. As a result, 2/3 of the wines become generic wines and the "vins de terroir" become proportionally even more distinguished.

Paul Blanck has land on several Grands Crus (in order of importance): Furstentum, Schlossberg, Wineck-Schlossberg, Mambourg and Sommerberg. Furstentum is certainly one of the GRAND Cru of Alsace and if you come across a bottle of Furstentum from Blanck, whichever grape variety, do not hesitate to experience its' focus, concentration and complexity. The longevity of Paul Blancks wines is close to eternal, a fact that I have had the privilege to experience in person in the enchanting company of Philippe.

You may buy wines from Paul Blanck all over world. But regardless of if you find a bottle your from Paul Blanck in Kientzheim, Orlando, Shanghai or Pretoria, you must understand that the wine is a nectar charged with history, compassion, dedication and quality.

Latest visit: 2010

Facts

Philippe Blanck 29 and 32 Grand'Rue, Kientzheim +33 (0)389 78 23 56
info@blanck.com
Riesling Patergarten €12
Riesling Grand Cru Schlossberg €18 Elegant, classy, supple and well-balanced wines from superior terroirs. Very friendly, hospitable, engaged and welcoming. Fluent English. Grands Crus: Furstentum, Schlossberg, Wineck-Schlossberg, Mambourg och Sommerberg
Lieux-dits: Altenbourg, Grafreben, Patergarten

Representative wines 2010

2009 Muscat Just 1000 bottles is made of this fantastic Muscat that offers passionfruit, bananas, apricots, honey and white peppercorns on the nose. The is bone dry, yet supple and has a velvety elegance with apples and fresh acidity. Grown on Grands Crus. Magic. 2008 Riesling Patergarten Generous nose with citrus and honey notes as well as a developed nutty character. The taste is absolutely pure in a youthful, appely style with very good tartric structure. Those who drink this wine every day are lucky! 2004 Riesling Grand Cru Furstentum The aroma offers a cascade of impressions of honey, pineapple, candy, raspberry, rosemary and almonds. The flavor is full, tight, elegant and complex with excellent balance. 2004 Pinot Gris Grand Cru Furstentum The aroma is rich but but not vulgar and offers walnuts, smoke and cummin in addition to a gentle spicyness from the botrytis. On the palate, this superb wine coats the mouth with a non-sticky sweetness. This is a model Pinot Gris with a fine backbone, fresh acidity and some minerality in the looong finish.