Alsace Riesling 'Ultreia' 2021, Domaine du Petit Bouchon

A spiritual journey expressed through Riesling. The 'Ultreia' 2021 cuvée by Domaine du Petit Bouchon is a multi-layered natural Riesling boasting serene depth, structured richness, and a hallmark mineral glow. Its name—taken from the traditional Latin greeting exchanged by pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago—symbolizes winemaker Vincent Larcelet's journey from the Jura to Alsace. Rather than sharp acidity, it offers a rare, harmonious balance between generosity and mineral composure.

On the nose, the wine opens with expressive notes of ripe yellow apple, lime zest, white blossoms, and wet stone. On the palate, its rich, generous texture is immediately striking. The cool-vintage 2021 acidity is fully integrated, driving a seamless, balanced tension rather than aggressive tartness. Extended lees maturation in large oak casks lends a creamy mouthfeel and a focused saline drive that carries into a long, pure finish.

Key Highlights

• Terroir: 100% Riesling sourced from organically farmed vineyards planted on sandy clay soils around Mittelbergheim (Alsace).
• Winemaking & Ageing: Hand-harvested, gently pressed, and transferred via gravity to 600-liter oak casks (demi-muids) for spontaneous fermentation using native yeasts. Aged for 12 months on fine lees (sur lies fines).
• Sustainability: Bottled under strict natural wine principles: unfiltered, unfined, and crafted with zero added additives or sulfites (sans soufre ajouté).
• Tasting Profile: Serene, rounded, and mineral-driven. Notes of yellow apple, lime zest, floral hints, supple lees texture, and a long saline finish.
• Ageing Potential: Highly expressive and harmonious now, with the structural focus to cellar gracefully over 4 to 8 years.

Food Pairing

• Fish & Seafood: Outstanding alongside pan-seared trout with almonds, sea bream ceviche, or lemongrass prawns.
• Asian & Spiced Cuisine: Pairs wonderfully with Thai fish curry, mild coconut-lime dishes, or stir-fried vegetables.
• Vegetarian: Excellent match for cauliflower or white asparagus in beurre blanc, fennel tarts, or savory vegetable quiches.
• Cheese: Ideal with aged Comté, Manchego, or mild goat cheese.
• Serving Suggestion: Best served chilled between 10°C and 12°C in generous crystal glasses.

The Terroir of Mittelbergheim

Mittelbergheim, situated in the heart of the Bas-Rhin, is celebrated for its geological complexity. The sandy clay soils harboring the vines for Ultreia provide optimal water retention while warming quickly in spring. This enables the Riesling vines to achieve generous fruit maturity without sacrificing crisp, mineral precision.

About Domaine du Petit Bouchon

Vincent Larcelet, originally from the Jura, honed his winemaking skills alongside icons like Patrice Béguet and Jean-François Ganevat. While walking the pilgrimage trail to Santiago, he met his wife Sophie, leading them to settle in Mittelbergheim. Since 2020, they have organically farmed 3.5 hectares of vines under strict low-intervention principles. Driven by passion and precision, Vincent and Sophie craft authentic, soulful natural wines that honor Alsatian terroirs.