Dirler-Cadé : Riesling Grand cru "Spiegel" Élément Air 2009

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Riesling Grand cru "Spiegel" Élément Air 2009 from Dirler-Cadé

Tasting

Appearance

Displaying a beautiful pale yellow to golden hue, this wine reveals itself as luminous and brilliant.

Nose

The bouquet reveals marked aromatic complexity with mineral notes accompanied by floral and citrus fragrances. Aromas of lemongrass and linden can be distinguished, complemented by hints of citrus such as lime and lemon. The overall impression is one of great aromatic purity.

Palate

The palate is dry to almost dry, with a linear and elegant structure. It reveals a fine interplay between citrus notes, stone fruits, and minerality. A notable saline quality brings complexity and contributes to the remarkable length of the finish. Lively acidity and freshness dominate the tasting experience, creating an airy and light impression that fully justifies its conceptual association with the element of air.

Food and wine pairings

This riesling grand cru pairs perfectly with grilled scallops with brown butter. It also elegantly complements white fish preparations with citrus, seafood, oysters, as well as fresh goat cheeses or aged comté. Its freshness and minerality make it an excellent choice for an aperitif or to enhance asparagus and dishes based on fresh herbs.

Serving and cellaring

This wine is best enjoyed at a temperature between 10 and 12°C. Its concentration and complexity allow it to evolve favorably over the years.

An airy and mineral riesling from the Spiegel grand cru in Alsace

The estate

The Domaine Dirler-Cadé was founded in 1871 in Bergholtz, in the Haut-Rhin area of Alsace. Today, Jean Dirler, representing the fifth generation, runs the estate alongside his wife Ludivine Cadé. Bearing its current name following the union of the two families in 2000, the estate oversees an 18-hectare vineyard, around 40% of which is classified as grand cru (Saering, Spiegel, Kessler and Kitterlé). A pioneer of biodynamics in Alsace, the estate converted all of its plots as early as 1998 and is among the founding members of Biodyvin. Recently awarded three stars in the RVF Guide 2025, Dirler-Cadé embodies Alsatian excellence through authentic wines expressing the singularity of their terroirs.

The vineyard

The Spiegel grand cru extends over approximately 18 hectares between 260 and 315 meters in altitude, with a predominantly east-facing exposure. Its name, meaning "mirror," refers to the quartz pebbles scattered across the soil that reflect light, creating a bright microclimate. The terroir is based on Triassic sandstone mixed with Oligocene clay-limestone marls, with a conglomerate subsoil. These quartz pebbles and crystals ensure excellent drainage and natural thermal regulation. The eastern exposure moderates heat accumulation, promoting slow ripening and the production of wines of great mineral finesse. The estate cultivates this terroir biodynamically, with horse plowing, natural treatments, and the preservation of biodiversity.

The vintage

The 2009 vintage is among the legendary years in Alsace. An early flowering was followed by a hot, dry August, then a dry September with cool nights, allowing the grapes to reach optimal ripeness while retaining fine acidity. These conditions produced grapes in exceptional health, giving rise to wines with exemplary varietal character, combining concentration, balance, and freshness.

Winemaking and aging

This wine was vinified using a non-interventionist approach that favors the expression of the terroir. Fermentations occurred spontaneously thanks to indigenous yeasts. Aging took place on lees in stainless steel tanks or in old oak foudres, depending on the characteristics of the wine during fermentation. This method allows the wine to develop complexity while preserving the aromatic purity and minerality characteristic of the Spiegel grand cru.

Grape variety

Riesling (100%).