Hunter McKirdy | Alsace | Sous les Coudriers VdF | 2023 | 750ml

Description

Product description for Hunter McKirdy Sous les Coudriers VdF 2023

Wine Information

This vineyard is located in a lieu-dit that has been known by various names over the years. One of these names refers to the presence of hazelnut trees on the property. Hence the cuvée Sous les Coudriers – Coudrier being one of the oldest French names for this tree species. The terroir consists of Oligocene limestone marl and is located on the lower slopes of the hill where the Sonnenglanz Grand Cru grows. This 20-year-old vineyard lies at a modest altitude of 230m, but the microclimate is moderated by a north-facing exposure. Sous les Coudriers is 100% Pinot Gris. The harvest time was determined by pH and acidity ripeness, without taking into account the potential alcohol content. The grapes were hand-picked, sorted, and brought to the winery in 10kg crates. They were then pressed whole in a hydraulic wooden basket press for 8 to 10 hours. Jolene Hunter and Paul McKirdy call this a Champagne pressing. The juice was then gravity-fed, without débourbage, into Burgundy barrels over 10 years old, where the wine was allowed to ferment spontaneously. The wine matured for nine months on the full lees without racking and without the addition of SO2. Only a minimal amount of sulfite was added before bottling.

Colour

Light straw yellow

Nose

The wine has a very subtle aroma, appearing light-bodied and fresh, driven by acids, rock and a touch of graphite, crushed oyster shell, iodine-infused sea air, but also a hint of creamy lemon.

Palate

On the palate, the Pinot Gris is juicier than its aroma suggests. The wine features robust, ripe, light stone fruit with a slight warmth, but above all, a chalky, chalky texture and clear acidity. The slightly saline element in the finish ensures a pleasant flow.

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Keywords: Hunter McKirdy Sous les Coudriers VdF 2023 Alsace France

Wine Advocate

Score: 90

The Vin de France Sous les Couriers (meaning, “under the hazelnut trees” in English) is from a Pinot Gris vineyard situated in a lieu-dit which, according to Hunter/McKirdy, “has been known by a variety of names over the years. … One of those names makes reference to the presence of hazelnut trees on the site.” The soils on the lower slopes of the hill that hosts the grand cru Sonnenglanz are defined by Oligocene limestone marl, and the 20-year-old vines are at a modest 230 meters in altitude. The microclimate is tempered by a north-facing exposition.
The 2023 Sous les Couriers is far more open and fruity than the Pentes Sèches yet also less complex. The wine opens with clear and elegant, aromatic fruit and a hint of pencil shavings. It is round, elegant and refined on the palate, provided with a medium body and stimulating vivacious acidity. This is a very good and enjoyable wine even at this early stage. 12.5% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted in November 2024.
Stephan Reinhardt

Producer website: https://www.instagram.com/huntermckirdy_vins/?__d=1