Domaines Schlumberger Gewurztraminer Grand Cru ‘Kessler’ 2018

Producer Information

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.

Vineyards

Kessler lies on a bedrock of sandstone and in the middle of this plot there is a small valley facing east, south-east which shelters it from the north winds and cold airstreams which comes from the valley of Guebwiller. A natural extension of Grand Cru Kitterlé, its basements are reddish on a basement of sandstone Vosges. A base, an outcrop of limestone translated by clay soils.

Winemaking

Whole grape pressing, static racking. Fermentation in thermocontrolled tuns for 1 to 4 months. Ageing on fine lees for 8 months.

Vintage Information

2018 was characterised by a mild winter. Lower than average temperatures in March and some snow around Easter delayed budburst to the third week of April allowing to avoid risks frost related. Alsace experienced record heat at the end of April, followed by heavy rainfall in May. The growth of the vines has been spectacular with a large number of clusters on each bud that required disbudding of overly fertile plants between end of May – mid June. Heat and rainfall in the first weeks of June led to the rapid growth of the vines. The rest of the summer was hot and dry allowing the growth of very healthy grapes. Throughout the harvest, the weather was dry and the grapes remained very healthy. Overall, the 2018 vintage is comparable to that of 2016. The wines show elegance, intensity and harmony

Tasting Note

The robe is golden yellow with green reflections of good intensity. The disk is bright, limpid and transparent. The wine shows youth. The nose is marked, pleasant and intense. We perceive a dominant of exotic
scents: passion fruit, papaya, citrus fruits (grapefruit, candied orange) and flowers (rose). The airing enhances these scents and reveals mango and spices (candied ginger, white pepper). Perfect profile of a great Gewurztraminer! As usual, this Kessler expresses an extrovert quintessence admirably balanced by the freshness of the vintage.
The onset in the mouth is dense, marrowy and the alcohol support is fullbodied. The wine evolves on an incisive medium, marked by a sparkling note.
We find the same exotic aromas as on the nose, dominated by papaya, passion fruit, mango, citrus fruits (blood orange, grapefruit), flowers (rose) and spices (white pepper, candied ginger). We can taste a delicate bitterness. The finish has a long length, 10-11 caudalies, and a frank and persistent liveliness. The great and delicious balance is echoed in the vertical precision of the terroir.
The range of flavours expands the structure with its stimulating charm.
Great wine!

Food Pairing

This wine can be associated with spicy cuisines: Thai king prawns, a chicken curry with bananas and onions, a soup with hot shrimps and coconut milk or a blue-veined cheese such as the Fourme d’Ambert…

Serving Suggestion

Serve at a temperature of 12°C.

AOC Alsace Grand Cru
100% Gewurztraminer
Cork
Yes
No

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