Alsace
Cave De Hunawihr Gewürztraminer Reserve 2016 (1x75cl)
This small co-operative, founded in 1954, has 110 members and 200 hectares of vineyard in the Haut-Rhin, nine kilometres from Colmar. Their wines are vinified using only their members' grapes, with a focus on expressing the rich diversity of Alsatian soils. Winemaker Nicolas Garde started at the winery in 2004 and his influence continues to be seen in the way the wines improve with each vintage.
Sheltered from oceanic influence by the Vosges Mountains, the Alsace wine region has a semi-continental climate which stays sunny and dry throughout the growing season, and this lengthens the ripening period for the grapes. The slopes surrounding Hunawihr, a picturesque village of half-timbered houses and a 14th century church, are some of the most celebrated in Alsace for grape-growing. Cave de Hunawihr’s fruit is sourced from 25 year-old vines grown in vineyards running along the south and south-east facing hillside slopes around the village, at an altitude of 250-320 metres. The vineyards cover an area of 36 hectares, located on a geological fault line across Ribeauvillé which gives soils composed of clayey limestone marl and chalky gravels.
Managing to escape the hail and frost that beset other French regions meant that Alsace had good yields in 2016. However, during a wet June mildew was a potential problem, but the rest of summer was warm and dry. Harvest conditions were good, and the wines are more elegant and classic in profile than the richer 2015s.
This Gewürztraminer was made from a blend of micro-parcels from the Hunawihr vineyards, picked at optimum ripeness. The temperature-controlled fermentation took place between 16-18°C for three weeks, followed by four months in stainless steel tanks to settle before careful filtration. No malolactic fermentation was allowed to take place.
Nice straw yellow colour with an elegant silver gold tint. The nose is very complex with very delicate perfumes of lychee, mango and particularly rose. Full-bodied, this off dry wine has a refreshing acidity with roses lingering on the long finish.
Cave De Hunawihr Gewürztraminer Reserve 2017 (1x75cl)
This small co-operative, founded in 1954, has 110 members and 200 hectares of vineyard in the Haut-Rhin, nine kilometres from Colmar. Their wines are vinified using only their members' grapes, with a focus on expressing the rich diversity of Alsatian soils. Winemaker Nicolas Garde started at the winery in 2004 and his influence continues to be seen in the way the wines improve with each vintage.
Sheltered from oceanic influence by the Vosges Mountains, the Alsace wine region has a semi-continental climate which stays sunny and dry throughout the growing season, and this lengthens the ripening period for the grapes. The slopes surrounding Hunawihr, a picturesque village of half-timbered houses and a 14th century church, are some of the most celebrated in Alsace for grape-growing. Cave de Hunawihr’s fruit is sourced from 25 year-old vines grown in vineyards running along the south and south-east facing hillside slopes around the village, at an altitude of 250-320 metres. The vineyards cover an area of 36 hectares, located on a geological fault line across Ribeauvillé which gives soils composed of clayey limestone marl and chalky gravels.
This Gewürztraminer was made from a blend of micro-parcels from the Hunawihr vineyards, picked at optimum ripeness. The temperature-controlled fermentation took place between 16-18°C for three weeks, followed by four months in stainless steel tanks to settle before careful filtration. No malolactic fermentation was allowed to take place.
Nice straw yellow colour with an elegant silver gold tint. The nose is very complex with very delicate perfumes of lychee, mango and particularly rose. Full-bodied, this off dry wine has a refreshing acidity with roses lingering on the long finish.
Cave De Hunawihr Pinot Blanc Klevner Reserve 2016 (1x75cl)
This small co-operative, founded in 1954, has 110 members and 200 hectares of vineyard in the Haut-Rhin, nine kilometres from Colmar. Their wines are vinified using only their members' grapes, with a focus on expressing the rich diversity of Alsatian soils. Winemaker Nicolas Garde started at the winery in 2004 and his influence continues to be seen in the way the wines improve with each vintage.
Sheltered from oceanic influence by the Vosges Mountains, the Alsace wine region has a semi-continental climate which stays sunny and dry throughout the growing season, and this lengthens the ripening period for the grapes. The slopes surrounding Hunawihr, a picturesque village of half-timbered houses and a 14th century church, are some of the most celebrated in Alsace for grape-growing. Cave de Hunawihr’s fruit is sourced from 25 year-old vines grown in vineyards running along the south and south-east facing hillside slopes around the village, at an altitude of 250-320 metres. The vineyards cover an area of 36 hectares, located on a geological fault line across Ribeauvillé which gives soils composed of clayey limestone marl and chalky gravels.
In 2016, nature took its time to reveal good quantities of bright, ripe fruits. Budburst began in May, and flowering started in early June. The vines continued to mature until the end of August. Harvest started on 7th October. The wines of this vintage are fresh and light, with plenty of vivacity.
This Pinot Blanc is a blend of micro-parcels from the Hunawihr vineyards. The temperature controlled fermentation took place between 16-18°C for three weeks, followed by four months in stainless steel tanks to settle before careful filtration. No malolactic fermentation was allowed to take place.
Pale, almost luminous yellow, with an elegant silver tint. Very fresh and striking on the nose, with citrus aromas and a floral hint. Rich and silky, this is a full-bodied wine with good balance and fresh acidity. A lovely bouquet of lemon and pear continues on the long finish.
Cave De Hunawihr Pinot Gris Reserve 2017 (1x 75cl)
This small co-operative, founded in 1954, has 110 members and 200 hectares of vineyard in the Haut-Rhin, nine kilometres from Colmar. Their wines are vinified using only their members' grapes, with a focus on expressing the rich diversity of Alsatian soils. Winemaker Nicolas Garde started at the winery in 2004 and his influence continues to be seen in the way the wines improve with each vintage.
Sheltered from oceanic influence by the Vosges Mountains, the Alsace wine region has a semi-continental climate which stays sunny and dry throughout the growing season, and this lengthens the ripening period for the grapes. The slopes surrounding Hunawihr, a picturesque village of half-timbered houses and a 14th century church, are some of the most celebrated in Alsace for grape-growing. Cave de Hunawihr’s fruit is sourced from 25 year-old vines grown in vineyards running along the south and south-east facing hillside slopes around the village, at an altitude of 250-320 metres. The vineyards cover an area of 36 hectares, located on a geological fault line across Ribeauvillé which gives soils composed of clayey limestone marl and chalky gravels.
Grapes were taken from selected small plots from the Hunawihr vineyards. Temperature-controlled fermentation took place between 16-18°C for three weeks, followed by four months in stainless steel tanks to settle before being filtered carefully. No malolactic fermentation was allowed to take place to preserve the purity of the fruit.
This wine has a deep pale yellow colour with a silver tint. The nose is fresh and intense with floral and pear aromas. On the palate, elegant flavours of pear are matched with a subtle smokiness. Sugar and acidity are beautifully balanced on the long finish of this food-friendly wine.
Cave De Hunawihr Riesling Grand Cru Rosacker 2017 (1x75cl)
This small co-operative, founded in 1954, has 110 members and 200 hectares of vineyard in the Haut-Rhin, nine kilometres from Colmar. Their wines are vinified using only their members' grapes, with a focus on expressing the rich diversity of Alsatian soils. Winemaker Nicolas Garde started at the winery in 2004 and his influence continues to be seen in the way the wines improve with each vintage.
The 5.6 hectare Rosacker vineyard is north of Hunawihr, a small village between Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr. This is also where the famous parcel of Clos St Hune is located. It lies 260-330m above sea level, facing east/south-east, with heavy, clay soils rich in calcium and magnesium, with limestone pebbles. The vines are 35 years old on average.
All of the grapes were harvested by hand. There was a gentle cold settling of the must for 48 hours before a long, slow fermentation for four weeks, with selected yeasts. The wine aged for four months in stainless steel tanks on the lees with regular stirring and then some further time resting in tank before being filtered and bottled.
A pale, clear yellow with elegant silver tint. The nose has delicate nuances of lime and grapefruit. Complex and fresh, the palate has the same delicate hints of citrus fruits with beautifully acidity and a zesty finish.
Domaine Christian Binner Les Binner Saveurs 2014 (1x 75cl)
The Binner estate was established in 1770. The family owns nine hectares in Alsace but only six hectares are cultivated with vines. They are a certified organic producer and also practice biodynamic farming. They produce "natural wines" using very few additives and no technological manipulations.
This is a highly aromatic and floral wine with spicy notes. Green apples, pear, lemon drops, peach and lychee mingle seamlessly on the palate with minerality, floral and sweet spice flavours. This is a dry style of wine which has a long finish.
Domaine Riefle Alsace Grand Cru Steinert Pinot Gris 2015 (1x 75cl)
We also highly recommend the rest of the Domaine Rieflé range, click here.
For our article on Alsace, Pinot Gris and Domaine Rieflé, click here.
Awarded 95 poiints and Outstanding status in the May 2018 edition of Decanter article: World's Best Pinot Gris Buys.
Domaine Riefle Alsace Grand Cru Steinert Pinot Gris 2015 - May 2018 Decanter review
The Rieflé family is deeply rooted in the history and culture of the Rhine. Six generations have built the family's winemaking tradition since it began in 1850. From the 1980s, Annick and Jean-Claude Rieflé (and their team of dedicated winemakers) made the most of the new opportunities created by the EU and globalisation, introducing the domaine's Alsatian wines to new consumers. They were joined at the domaine by their sons, Thomas and Paul, in 2009 and 2010. Thomas manages the vineyard and Paul is responsible for building the business.
They developed and certified the entire vineyard in accordance with Organic Agriculture specifications. As well as respecting the soil, flora, fauna and health in general, Organic Agriculture is also a useful means of bringing out the different characteristics of Domaine Rieflé's numerous terroirs. As part of the domaine's humanist approach and support for the local community, manual work is outsourced to a local association for professional reintegration.
Alsace white wines can confuse the consumer by inadvertently concealing their sweetness level. This Pinot Gris has a residual sugar level of 2g/litre and is thus fully (almost bone) dry.
Elsewhere, rather then describe the wine ourselves, we can do no better than hand you to the producers and their excellent data sheet (see blue link below).
Domaine Riefle Alsace Grand Cru Steinert Pinot Gris 2015 fiche technique
Domaine Riefle Alsace Grand Cru Steinert Riesling 2015 (1x 75cl)
We also highly recommend the rest of the Domaine Rieflé range, click here.
For our article on Alsace, Pinot Gris and Domaine Rieflé, click here.
The Rieflé family is deeply rooted in the history and culture of the Rhine. Six generations have built the family's winemaking tradition since it began in 1850. From the 1980s, Annick and Jean-Claude Rieflé (and their team of dedicated winemakers) made the most of the new opportunities created by the EU and globalisation, introducing the domaine's Alsatian wines to new consumers. They were joined at the domaine by their sons, Thomas and Paul, in 2009 and 2010. Thomas manages the vineyard and Paul is responsible for building the business.
They developed and certified the entire vineyard in accordance with Organic Agriculture specifications. As well as respecting the soil, flora, fauna and health in general, Organic Agriculture is also a useful means of bringing out the different characteristics of Domaine Rieflé's numerous terroirs. As part of the domaine's humanist approach and support for the local community, manual work is outsourced to a local association for professional reintegration.
Alsace white wines can confuse the consumer by inadvertently concealing their sweetness level. This Riesling has a residual sugar level of 3.5g/litre and is thus fully dry.
Elsewhere, rather then describe the wine ourselves, we can do no better than hand you to the producers and their excellent data sheet (see blue link below).
Domaine Riefle Alsace Grand Cru Steinert Riesling 2015 fiche technique
Domaine Schlumberger Riesling Les Princes Abbes 2006 (1x 75cl)
A distinguished nose dominated by mature fruity scents of citrus and candied lemons and floral hints. Delicate and fresh. Fresh and well balanced. Delicately spicy with citrus fruits candied lemon and hints of ginger and a long finish. Delicately spicy with citrus fruits candied lemon and hints of ginger and a long finish. Food Matching Seafood Caviar Sushi Fois Grais Pork Chicken Veal Medium Spiced Curry Chinese and Thai Dishes.
Gustave Lorentz Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergheim 2010 (1x 75cl)
This is a magnificent Gewurtztraminer from the hill at Bergheim which faces South. This Grand Cru's nose is both floral and spicy with notes of rosewater papaya and kumquat. It exhibits both great power and finesse with ripe tropical flavours including mango, lychee and passion fruit. It is full bodied and dense in flavour.
Gustave Lorentz Gewurztraminer Reserve 2016 (1x75cl)
An exuberant wine with a spicy character, this Gewurztraminer reveals the typical aromas and flavours of the grape variety as well as notes of fresh lychee, mango and passion fruit. Its mouth-feel is fresh yet full and almost silky, whilst it displays exotic and spicy aromas such as mixed white pepper.
Gustave Lorentz Riesling Grand Cru Altenberg De Bergheim 2011 (1x75cl)
A deep and expressive nose filled with fresh and complex citrus aromas. It has surprisingly rich and fat palate with great structure and a wonderfully dry, long finish. This will go well with seafood, fish, white meats, trout, chicken and white wine sauce and cheese.
Trimbach Gewurztaminer 2015 (1x75cl)
Full, balanced and very aromatic. Depending on the vintage, the principal aromas of Gewurztraminer are lychee, rose, ginger and geranium. The Trimbach Gewurztraminer is dry and shows classic restraint, without any loss of the Gewurztraminer's exotic and spicy feature.
Trimbach Gewurztaminer half bottle 2015 (1x37.5cl)
Full, balanced and very aromatic. Depending on the vintage, the principal aromas of Gewurztraminer are lychee, rose, ginger and geranium. The Trimbach Gewurztraminer is dry and shows classic restraint, without any loss of the Gewurztraminer's exotic and spicy feature.
Trimbach Gewurztraminer Cuvee Des Seigneurs De Ribeaupierre 2011 (1x 75cl)
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