The Grand Cru Brand overlooks the village of Turckheim and its steep south, south-east facing enjoy a very solar and warm micro-climate. First grapes flowering can be seen in the Brand. The precocity is not only linked to the climate but also to the granitic soil, capable to capture and transfer the sun energy to the vines.
The granite soil of Brand is quite special, because it contains a lot of black mica which produces very interesting types of clay as it decomposes. Of course, this only happens in soils that are alive (not compacted and chemical free). This mechanism is important as the clay will be able to fix and release important minerals to the vines. 2014 is an exceptional vintage for the Brand. This vineyard performs well in balanced vintages, especially when water is not too limited.
The growth was regular and consistent and it was easy to harvest the grapes at optimum physiological ripeness without any excessive weight. Very slow fermentation and at the end, the wild yeast delivered a great wine.
Tasting Notes : Bright yellow colour. The nose is already expressive for such a young wine. Of course, long lees contact (2 years) and the recent bottling explain a slight austerity. Nevertheless, the granite is well present in this wine: opulent rich nose with white fruit aromas, acacia honey and grinded stones, almost smoky. The same goes for the palate, so characteristic of Brand. The wine coats the palate, is long and reveals great depth and complexity. The acidity is ripe, caresses the palate without being aggressive but is well present and explains a racy dry finish. I would expect a great ageing potential.
