Weinbach Pinot Gris Altenbourg Quintessence Grains Nobles 2008

Domaine Weinbach is one of the oldest and most prestigious wineries in Alsace.  It was founded by Capuchin monks in 1612. Early documents show that some of its vineyards were planted as far back as the year 890.  In 1898, the Faller family acquired 26 hectares located among different Kaysersberg Valley Crus.  Today they practice biodynamic and organic viticulture. Harvesting is carried out by hand, and when the year has been propitious to the development of botrytis, the grapes are picked in November.

All their wines, from the generics to the very best, are produced to a minimum intervention philosophy and all show great elegance and finesse.  Domaine Weinbach’s wines enjoy a worldwide reputation for outstanding quality.

Appearance

Beautiful golden yellow hue. Very bright and dense.

Nose

Impressive aromas of dried apricots and candied orange marmalade combined with notes of botrytis and cherries. Mineral and spicy aromas.

Palate

Great concentration with a dense, oily texture.  Impeccable balance of sweetness, alcohol and spectacular acidity.  Flavours of canned peaches, candied mandarin and honey.  A fantastic freak of nature!

Comment

From a Grand Cru vineyard with limestone and clay soils interspersed with gypsum, Domaine Weinbach's Quintessence "Grains Nobles" is an exceptional wine, produced in very small quantities and only in the best years, using selected grape berries affected by noble rot. This grandiose wine of enormous richness, contains 200 grams of residual sugar per litre yet shows itself to be well-balanced, dense and vinous with invigorating acidity.

It is perfect for sipping as a substitute for dessert as it is too intense and dominant to pair well with food. Endless pleasure!

Glass by RIEDEL, SOMMELIERS collection, RIESLING GRAND CRU model