M1

The 2018 vintage of this iconic wine is made of 80% Merlot and 20% Blaufränkisch from Ried Aubühl, which is the warmest site in the hills around Arbesthal. It is oriented towards the south-west and situated 220 metres above sea level.

Soils are chalky/sandy, light loam soils that warm up very easily. Here, on just 3.3 hectares, the team cultivate Merlot and Blaufränkisch, together yielding a very luxuriant and very long-lived red wine. Indeed, since 2000 only the ripest lots have been bottled under the name M1.

Harvesting lasts from the middle of October, with only the ripest clusters of grapes harvested by hand in multiple passes. The fermentation is spontaneous and lasts 24-30 days, on the skins, at 30–32°C in wooden vats, followed by malolactic conversion in the barrels. The wine is then aged for 24 months in French barriques and 500L casks. 

ANALYSIS

CRITIC RATINGS

On the nose, this wine opens up with layers of aromas including plums and blackberries, tobacco and orange zest, bright raspberries and dark cherries, cinnamon and pepper, cloves and cedar. A fine tannic structure coats the mouth, and the slight saline note to the long finish lifts the flavours to the next level

Pairs well with hearty meat dishes or just a roaring fire and a very comfortable chair to sit in!