In his early youth, Fernand skipped the vineyards. During harvest, he followed his father and climbed to the small family press to taste the juice. His ancestors had been cultivating grains and vines for decades, but Fernand had a clear preference for working in the vineyard. At the end of World War II, the Alsatian vineyard experienced a revival, and in 1949, the family's great wine adventure began.
The grapes for this white wine come from three plots in Rorschwihr, about twenty kilometers from Colmar in Alsace. The soil here is sandy clay with a high limestone content. The vineyards are situated on a gentle slope facing south and east, creating a perfect climate. The vines are aged between 30, 33, and 37 years.
After being harvested by hand, the whole bunches are pressed. This is followed by cold maceration at approximately eight to ten degrees Celsius. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 18-20 degrees Celsius. Finally, the wine rests on its lees for another six to eight months. This gives it a robust character and greater depth than other Pinot Blancs. The aroma is also phenomenal, with abundant notes of red apple, ripe pears, green lime, and a hint of spice from mint and fennel. The palate of this Fernand Engel Pinot Blanc Reserve is round, ripe, and especially profound. The attack reveals abundant white fruit, yellow plums, ripe pear, and a touch of spice.
