Although Meyer Fonne ‘Gallus’ Pinot Noir is named after Gallus Meyer (an ancestor who arrived in Katzenthal in 1732) it does also share some similarities to the West of Scotland word. This daring Pinot Noir is a blend of two plots, one grown on marl and sandstone in Ammerschwihr and one on limestone in Kientzheim. It is a bold, earlier maturing and a little flashy in its youth and would certainly be a suitable libation to sip whilst enjoying and/or partaking in some of the world renowned gallus Glaswegian patter. Lovely dark red fruits, open and enjoyable with great underlying freshness along with nice spice notes and a Burgundian feel of earth and forest floor notes.

Domaine Meyer Fonne was founded in the late 1800s by Felix Meyer and is still run today by Felix’s great grandson, also called Felix. The Domaine now covers 18 hectares over 7 communes, namely Katzenthal, Ammerschwihr, Ingersheim, Riquewihr, Kientzheim, Colmar and Bennwihr. The diversity of soil type and vineyard exposure throughout these areas is so phenomenal that you’re almost guaranteed to see groups of university students and amateur geologists surveying the unique land. The area is one of the world’s greatest examples of terroir and its soil diversity means that several grape varieties can flourish here making it one of the most varied grape growing regions in the world.

The Domaine has always been farmed organically and Felix likes to play around with a few Biodynamic techniques. Felix also prefers to use large, older foudres (wooden barrels) in conjunction with stainless steel vats for the more aromatic varieties. This gives the wines a delicacy, depth and complexity which is quite special and most pronounced on the Grand Cru wines. Although Alsace is famous for being a white wine producing region, Felix makes some of the best Pinot Noirs we have tried. The aptly named ‘Gallus’ is amazing and should be snapped up when we have it. Buying his Cremant is also one of the most sensible choices you’ll ever make.