Robert Roth 'Orschwillerbourg' Pinot Gris 2023 (100ml)

Robert Roth is a small, quality-driven estate in Alsace, based in the village of Soultzmatt in the Vallée Noble. The family focuses on Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer from steep, limestone-rich slopes that naturally give the wines a firm backbone and clean aromatics.  

Farming is careful and low-input, and fermentations often run long, building texture without heaviness. Robert Roth’s style leans toward purity and fine detail, with each cuvée reflecting its specific site.  

This is an address that flies a little under the radar but consistently delivers outstanding value for money and exciting wines.  

France’s wine story begins with Greek settlers, Roman farmers and medieval monasteries that shaped famous regions. It remains the benchmark for many of the world’s classic wine styles, built on a deep history of regional identity and an appellation system designed to protect it. AOC rules outline where grapes can be grown and how wines are made, giving structure to places such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne and the Rhône. Key grapes like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah all find their most famous expressions here, alongside countless regional varieties.

From the driven whites of the Loire to the rich blends of the south, French wine is ultimately about clarity of origin and a commitment to balance, and modern France continues to evolve, combining precise regional traditions with a renewed focus on sustainability and site expression.

Alsace sits in France’s far northeast and is known for its clean aromatic styles shaped by a dry sunny climate and sheltered vineyards. Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer and Muscat are central, producing expressive wines with strong varietal character. Pinot Blanc and Sylvaner offer lighter, fresher options, while Pinot Noir has gained momentum with increasingly refined reds. Most wines here are made in a dry, focused style and the region’s mix of soils from granite to limestone adds further nuance.

Alsace remains a brilliant source of precise aromatic wines that show clarity and strong grape identity.