FRANCE
Pinot Gris
2008 Pinot Gris
Viticulture
| Vineyard: |
Several vineyards located within the village of Rorschwhir |
| Soil Type: |
A mosaic of soil types; limestone, marl, clay, muschelkalk, conglomerate. |
| Vine Age: |
|
| Irrigation: |
No irrigation |
| Harvest Date: |
|
| Yield: |
|
Vinification:
Pierre Gassman, champion of biodynamic cultivation in Alsace, insists on late harvesting and lengthy cellaring after bottling, creating amply sweet yet balanced styles. In-depth knowledge of the family estate (a complex mosaic of limestone and marls) and pursuit of low yields promote precise expression of different terroirs.
This Pinot Gris comes from a selection of vineyards located within the village of Rorschwhir, see the terroir map on the Rolly Gassmann opening page, it was harvested at optimum ripeness. Pierre Gassmann considers that the grapes are ripe when the pip has turned orange brown inside the grape.
Harvest is done by hand, as most things at the estate. The philosophy that guides the Rolly Gassmann family centers on as little interference with the vines as possible, rigorous selection of grapes, and the most careful handling of both harvest and vinification to produce wines of the highest quality and specificity.
The grapes are taken to the cellar, gently pressed and taken into individual fermentation tanks where no yeast is added, fermentation is done using indigenous yeast. Each vineyard has its own fermentation tank and is vinified separately. Once fermentation is completed and the wine is left to rest and it is bottled within 11 months from harvest. Fermentation can take a few months to complete depending on the circumstances, bottling normally happens just before the next harvest. The bottles are then laid to rest for a couple of years at least for the less complex wines, more elaborate cuvees will be kept aside for many years before being released, as much as 20 years and more.
Tasting Notes:
| Color: |
Deep gold, thick, showing ripeness |
| Nose: |
Ripe with minerality; hints of white flowers, a mixture of mature apricot, peach and spices. A complex nose. |
| Palate: |
The palate doesn't disappoint with a rich palette of flavors and depth. It is opulent and fresh at the same time, with rich spicy citrus & minerals. Despite the relatively high residual sugar, the wine stays elegant and extremely well balanced. |
| Other: |
This wine is relatively young and could be cellared for a few more years (5 to 10 years), with age it will gain refinement.
Can be enjoyed on its own or with mildly spicy dishes or even honey roast pork for example. |
Chemical Analysis:
| Alc (%): |
13 |
| RS (g/l): |
|
| TA (g/l): |
|
| pH: |
|
