Frank John Grande Marée Riesling Brut Edition Nr. 4 Bio Magnum white

Frank John Grande Marée Riesling Brut Edition Nr. 4 Bio Magnum is a refined, bottle‑fermented sparkling wine from the Pfalz, crafted from Riesling base wine of the 2015 vintage and matured for an impressive 41 months on the lees. In magnum format, it offers extra complexity, freshness and aging potential, making it ideal for collectors and for the table on special occasions. Certified organic and produced according to rigorous biodynamic principles, it brings together precision, purity and an almost artisanal sense of detail. Its unique selling point lies in the combination of long lees aging, Riesling’s naturally electric acidity, and the depth gained from magnum bottling, resulting in a wine that is both structured and finely textured. The Grande Marée series reflects the estate’s fascination with natural rhythms and experimental sparkling wine, inspired in part by tastings of so‑called “underwater” sparkling wines and Champagnes. As a long‑standing Demeter estate in the Pfalz, Frank John has helped shape a more thoughtful, terroir‑driven approach to German sparkling wine, proving that Riesling Sekt can stand proudly alongside top traditional‑method sparklers from around the world.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Frank John Grande Marée Riesling Brut Edition Nr. 4 shows a bright, pale straw to light gold hue, animated by a fine, persistent bead – the kind of delicate mousse that only extended lees aging can deliver. The long maturation on the lees lends a gentle creaminess to the appearance and a vibrant, almost crystalline clarity. On the nose, expect an elegant interplay of citrus and stone fruit – think lemon zest, green apple and white peach – layered with brioche, fresh pastry, roasted nuts and a hint of chalky minerality. Subtle notes of dried herbs, blossom and a touch of smokiness or flint may emerge with air, reflecting both the Riesling variety and the extended time on the yeast. The palate is taut yet generous: a focused, racy acidity carries flavors of lime, quince and crisp apple, wrapped in a fine, creamy texture from the 41 months of lees contact. There is a distinct saline, mineral edge that gives length and precision, while the brut dosage keeps the wine dry, linear and gastronomic rather than overtly fruity. In magnum format, the wine evolves more slowly and harmoniously; it is already highly enjoyable but has clear aging potential, with several more years ahead in which the autolytic notes (brioche, hazelnut, biscuit) will deepen and integrate even further.

Production
The Riesling for Grande Marée Riesling Brut Edition Nr. 4 Bio is sourced from selected vineyards in the Pfalz, where a relatively warm, dry climate and diverse soils – including sandstone, clay and limestone‑influenced sites – allow Riesling to ripen fully while retaining a firm line of acidity. As a certified biodynamic (Demeter) estate, Frank John works with great attention to soil vitality and biodiversity, following natural rhythms and working with subtle forces and cosmic constellations that are central to the biodynamic philosophy. Grapes are typically hand‑harvested to ensure careful selection and brought to the cellar in small batches to preserve their integrity. The base wine from the 2015 harvest is vinified with minimal intervention – often using spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts and gentle pressing – before undergoing traditional‑method second fermentation in bottle. The wine then rests on its lees for around 41 months, allowing autolysis to build texture, complexity and finesse before disgorgement and a carefully judged brut dosage. This thoughtful, low‑intervention approach yields a sparkling Riesling that is both terroir‑driven and texturally sophisticated.

Food & Serving
This Riesling Brut Magnum is a versatile food companion, particularly well‑suited to refined, delicately flavored dishes. It pairs beautifully with oysters, scallops, ceviche and other raw or lightly cured seafood, where its saline minerality and linear acidity can really shine. It also complements sushi and sashimi, smoked fish, steamed shellfish, fine poultry, veal tartare or carpaccio, and vegetable‑focused dishes such as asparagus, artichoke and lightly dressed salads. Creamy soft cheeses and aged mountain cheeses are also excellent partners, as the wine’s freshness balances richness. Serve well chilled, ideally at 8–10 °C (46–50 °F), to highlight its tension and finesse. A magnum can benefit from being opened a little in advance; for more complexity, you may lightly carafe or simply pour the first glass and give the bottle 10–15 minutes in the ice bucket to allow the aromas to unfold gradually in the glass.

Producer
Frank John is a respected name in German wine, known both for his consulting work and for his own family‑run estate, which has long been certified biodynamic under the Demeter label. Based in the Pfalz, the winery focuses on classic varieties such as Riesling and Pinot, with an emphasis on authenticity, low intervention and traditional craftsmanship. In a region historically better known for still wines, Frank John has been at the forefront of elevating high‑quality, bottle‑fermented sparkling wines that express both variety and terroir with precision. His work has helped raise the profile of serious German Sekt, demonstrating that meticulous vineyard care, biodynamic farming and extended lees aging can deliver sparkling wines of real depth and character. Over the years, the estate has garnered attention from sommeliers and wine enthusiasts alike for its purist style, nuanced expression of site, and its commitment to a more holistic, nature‑connected way of winegrowing.

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