Pinot Gris Altenberg de Bergheim grand cru 2011 - Gustave Lorentz

Pinot Gris Altenberg de Bergheim grand cru 2011 - Gustave Lorentz 

Vintage 2011: During this year, the vineyard was constantly tossed between extremes: harsh winter (-20°C on December 26th 2010!), very mild or even hot temperatures in spring, drought followed by heavy rainfall during the summer. Bud-break occurred at the beginning of April, a fortnight earlier than in a normal year. The dry, sunny and very hot weather speeded things up since flowering took place at the end of May 2 to 3 weeks earlier than normal.

The excellent weather conditions during the flowering period led to good fruit set with an often generous bunch release, while neutralising the risk of fungal diseases.

The beginning of the summer, which was wetter and cooler, slightly reduced the advance of the vegetation and compensated for a large part of the water deficit. The good weather returned from August 15.

The harvest took place under the best auspices. The rare areas of rot were dried by the wind and a good development of concentration was noted.

Service: 10 to 12°C

Custody: 15 to 20 years

Sweetness: Mild

A very beautiful Pinot Gris of gastronomy, endowed with great richness and concentration. Its nose is refined, delicate and very expressive where aromas of very ripe yellow fruits (mirabelle plum, roasted peach) dominate, accompanied by a hint of honey. On the palate the wine shows a perfect balance between residual sugars and acidity. It is impressive at the same time by its substance, its texture and its sweetness on the palate.

Terroir :  On the finage of the medieval town of Bergheim, runs on the south face of the Grasberg hillock, a rather steep slope, at an altitude of 220 to 320 metres.

The south-facing exposure, the distance from the Vosges front, and the steep slope favour a warm and temperate microclimate, with very regular temperatures and humidity.

At the heart of the Ribeauvillé fault field, which superimposes limestone and marl from the Middle and Lower Jurassic, the Altenberg is composed of very stony red marly-limestone soils, shallow and rich in fossils commonly known as clayey-limestone soils.

Food pairing : Accompanies a marbled Foie gras and its mirabelle plum jelly, but also fruit tarts and cooked cheeses.