Now run by the 6th and 7th generations, Domaines Schlumberger was founded in 1810 by Nicolas Schlumberger, who established vineyards on the renowned slopes above the town of Guebwiller. These vineyard sites have a history of viticulture, having been planted since 207AD. Through successive generations the holding has grown to be one of France’s largest and finest domaines.
Domaines Schlumberger now own 130 hectares of vineyards, 70 of which are Grand Cru. The grapes for the Anne come from the Kessler vineyard, which has pink sandstone soil and faces east, south-east, which protects it from north winds and cold air streams in the valley. Yields are 35 hl/ha. Kessler produces structured and elegant wines.
The vines were carefully tended from their winter pruning until harvest carried out on 19th October. Hand-harvested, the grapes are then transported in small crates (to prevent the berries from getting crushed) to the winery where they are then slowly pressed. After static settling for about three days, the juice is transferred to tuns for fermentation, which takes place at strictly controlled, cool temperatures for one to three months. The wine is then stabilised, filtered and then bottled in April.
The Sélections de Grains Nobles (an appellation since 1984) are wines, made from over-ripe grapes from old vines picked several weeks after harvest. More concentrated than the Vendanges Tardives, they are fine sweet wines, which keep a freshness and natural acidity and a unique flavour. Bearing the name of family members, these wines are exclusively produced in vintage years. The 2007 vintage is incredibly elegant, and revives the tradition of the domaine’s fine sweet wines. Botrytis leaves its mark very discreetly and promises to enable the wine to have very good, slow ageing potential.
Straw yellow in colour, with perfumes of exotic fruit, grapefruit, ginger and floral undertones. The palate is full and ripe with notable richness, a honeyed sensation, balanced by a full and well balanced freshness. Flavours follow the nose. A wine of great structure and balance with concentration on the palate and excellent length.
Serve with blue cheese, fruit desserts or simply by itself as a meditation wine.
Serve at 12°C
AOC Alsace Sélections de Grains Nobles
100% Gewurztraminer
Natural Cork
10.5%
160 g/l
3.31 g/l
