« Vendanges Tardives » or "Late Harvest"
Restricted to four noble grape varieties, Muscat, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer, these wines are subjected to some of the French most stringent wine laws.
Vendanges tardives grapes are picked last of all, and only from the choicest plots in the greatest years, the grapes are always over-ripe and often affected by noble rot, or Botrytis cinerea.
Unlike most Alsace wines, they contain residual sugar which gives high viscosity and a honeyed quality. However their great richness is balanced by fresh fruity acidity which does not only confers exceptional length on the palate but also prevents the wines from being cloying.
These wines are delightful alone or as an aperitif, but they also have their place with foie gras, rich cuisine or desserts.
Ageing potential
10-15 years +
Available now:
Riesling 2002 Vendanges Tardives
Pinot Gris 2000, 1999 et 1997 Vendanges Tardives
Gewurztraminer 2003 Vendanges Tardives
Gewurztraminer 2001 et 1999 only in half bottles
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