Now run by the 7th generation of the family, 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.
Christine Schlumberger (1894-1971) looked with talent and firmness after the management
of Domaines Schlumberger during nearly twenty years. The Late Harvest (Vendanges Tardives – appellation since 1984) are wines harvested in over maturity, several weeks after the harvest. Contrary to certain types of sweet wines, they
maintain a freshness and natural acidity with a flavour that is unique in the world.
Domaines Schlumberger now own 130 hectares of vineyards, 70 of which are Grand Cru. The grapes for the Christine (named after Christine Schlumberger (1894-1971) who managed the estate for 20 years) 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.
Harvested manually from our steep vineyards, the grapes are then transported in small
crates (to prevent the berries from getting crushed) to our winery where they are then slowly
pressed. After racking for about 3 days, the perfectly clear juices are put to ferment in tuns
where the temperature is strictly controlled. Fermentations last from 1 to 3 months until
spring. The wines are then stabilised, filtered and then bottled.
The colour is golden yellow with green reflections, of good intensity. The disc is shiny, limpid,
and transparent. The wine presents a beautiful youth.
The nose is frank, pleasant, and intense. We perceive a dominance of candied, fruity aromas,
strawberries, bananas, passion fruit and honey. Aeration amplifies these odours and reveals
star fruit, mango, papaya and spices, ginger. The perfect maturity of the grapes expresses a
charming, seductive profile, dominated by exoticism.
The attack on the palate is dense, rich, the alcohol support is balanced. We evolve on an
incisive medium, marked by pearling. We find the range of aromas of the nose, always
focused on candied fruit, banana, strawberry, star fruit, papaya, mango, passion fruit, honey
and spices, ginger. We guess a slight bitterness. The finish has a great length, 12-13 caudalies,
as well as a fine vivacity and a hint of persistent bitterness. The balance is remarkable. The
soft content is perfectly adjusted to the overall liveliness. The beautiful underlying bitterness
gives relief, and the range of bright fruit aromas is a delight.
Ideal with fruit desserts, crepes Suzette or blue cheese. A fantastic meditation wine!
Serve at 12°C
AOC Alsace Vendange Tardive
100% Gewurztraminer
Natural Cork
12.53%
95.3 grs/l
3.27 grs/l
Yes
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