Alsace Domaine Ostertag 1988
This 1988 white wine is produced by Domaine Ostertag in the historic French region of Alsace. Bottled directly at the estate, it carries the Appellation Alsace Contrôlée classification, which was officially recognized in 1962 and encompasses the majority of the region's wine production. The wine is made exclusively from Riesling, a classic white grape variety that is widely cultivated in areas such as Germany, Austria, Washington, and here in Alsace, where it is considered one of the region's noble varieties.
Situated in northeastern France along the German border, Alsace lies in a narrow belt on the east-facing slopes of the Vosges mountains, descending toward the Rhine valley. The region's history of shifting between French and German rule has deeply influenced its viticulture, making it the only region in France that traditionally labels its wines by grape variety rather than by village or vineyard. The wines are typically bottled in the characteristic tall, slender bottle known as a "flûte d'Alsace."
The climate in Alsace is semi-continental and heavily influenced by the Vosges mountains. These mountains act as a natural barrier against rain and westerly winds, creating a rain shadow effect that makes Alsace one of the driest and sunniest wine regions in France. This environment provides the grapes with a long and stable ripening season. The local soils are exceptionally complex and varied due to geological fault lines, offering a mosaic of soil types within short distances, including granite, limestone, schist, clay, gravel, and the local pink sandstone known as grès de Vosges.
The history of the wine
Below, you can delve into the history of this wine — its producer, grape, area, and region.
Alsace
Alsace lies between the Vosges and the Rhine and has shifted between French and German rule throughout history, shaping both its culture and its wine. It is France's only region that traditionally labels wine by grape variety. The dry, aromatic white wines are made from Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris and Muscat. The sunny, dry climate produces intense, mineral wines with great longevity.
When this wine was made, the world looked very different. Here are some of the stories that unfolded while this bottle quietly aged in its cellar.
You are in safe hands
100% authentic bottles
All bottles undergo a thorough authenticity test by our certified sommeliers before being offered for sale. We reject bottles we are unsure about.
Thorough quality check
Cork, capsule, fill level, label condition, and provenance are individually documented for each bottle. A physical certificate is included with every purchase.
60-day return policy
We are confident in the quality of our wines, and you as a buyer should be too. Return any unopened bottle within 60 days for a full refund — no questions asked.
4.7 on Trustpilot
277 customers have shared their experience. From the first email to the bottle arriving safely – we take pride in making a difference from start to finish.
How it handles
you your wine
Storage
Store the bottle horizontally at 12–14°C and avoid direct sunlight, vibrations, and temperature fluctuations.
Opening
Allow the bottle to stand upright for 24–48 hours before opening to allow sediment to settle. Use a professional corkscrew and open carefully.
Enjoyment
Serve at 17–18°C and be patient – there is a great difference in how and how quickly wines open up when they are aerated.
GUIDE TO THE GOOD WINE EXPERIENCE
We will help you throughout the journey. Here you can read our guide on how to treat the wine. If you have any questions, you are always welcome to write or call us.
Our customers say it best!
Based on 247 reviews