Rendez-vous en Blanc 2021, Mélanie Pfister

On the nose, Rendez Vous en Blanc is delicately expressive, with a charming bouquet that weaves together orchard fruit, citrus, and florals. Aromas of ripe nectarine, yellow apple, and Bartlett pear lead the way, joined by hints of Meyer lemon zest and peach blossom. There's a soft lift of honeysuckle and jasmine, underscored by a whisper of crushed herbs and freshly rained-on stone. As it opens in the glass, a touch of beeswax and white pepper adds savory complexity to the fruit-driven core, giving the wine a layered aromatic profile that’s both graceful and inviting.

On the palate, this wine delivers a vibrant yet composed experience. Juicy stone fruit flavors—white peach, pear skin, and apricot pit—are wrapped in a zesty spine of acidity that keeps each sip crisp and mouthwatering. There’s a gentle creaminess from extended lees aging, but the wine never loses its edge; instead, it moves with precision and focus. A chalky, saline minerality emerges mid-palate and carries through the finish, lending depth and drive. Subtle phenolic texture from the Gewürztraminer adds a touch of grip, while the Riesling and Pinot Gris offer verve and volume. The finish is long, clean, and quietly sophisticated—a wine that lingers like a good conversation.

About the Winery

Nestled in the rolling hills near Strasbourg, Domaine Mélanie Pfister is one of Alsace’s most exciting modern estates—with roots that go back to 1780. Today it’s run by Mélanie Pfister, the eighth generation to lead the family domaine and the first woman to do so. After stints at legendary estates like Zind-Humbrecht, Méo-Camuzet, Château Cheval Blanc, and Craggy Range, Mélanie returned home in 2008 to steer the winery into its next era.

Pfister farms about 10 hectares spread across over 40 tiny parcels—including prized Grand Cru Engelberg—using certified organic methods and practices guided by the FAIR’N GREEN sustainability initiative. Mélanie’s approach emphasizes precision, balance, and transparency: native yeast fermentations, low sulfur use, and long lees aging are the norm. Most of her wines are bottled without filtration to preserve nuance and site expression.

While deeply rooted in Alsatian tradition, Pfister’s wines feel strikingly modern—fresh, structured, and expressive, with just the right amount of flair. She’s earned a devoted following for her deft touch with Riesling and her playfully named field blends like Rendez Vous en Blanc, which turns a medley of Alsace’s classic grapes into something utterly new. If you’re looking for Alsace with a twist—this is your domaine.