Domaine Marcel Deiss : Gewurztraminer Vendanges tardives 2018

Tasting characteristics and advice for the Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives 2018 from Domaine Marcel Deiss

Tasting

Appearance
The appearance displays a luminous golden hue shading into bright deep gold, reflecting the grapes’ over-ripeness and the concentration of aromatic compounds.

Nose
The nose reveals a complex, elegant aromatic bouquet. Dominant notes of candied fruit and honey intertwine with aromas of fig and brioche. A schist-like mineral quality brings depth, while hints of fine orange fruit, white flowers, rose and delicate spices harmoniously complete the aromatic profile.

Palate
On the palate, the wine is rich and syrupy, with generous sweet flavors perfectly balanced by a lively, lemony acidity that gives structure. The texture is supple, full-bodied and velvety. Notes of lemon and fresh citrus emerge on the finish, extending the tasting experience while bringing a lingering sensation of freshness.

Food and wine pairings
This Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives 2018 can be enjoyed on its own at the end of a meal, allowing its aromatic complexity to be fully appreciated. It pairs wonderfully with foie gras, a classic match in Alsatian gastronomy. Bold blue cheeses such as Roquefort also make a harmonious pairing. For desserts, opt for exotic fruit preparations, rhubarb or apricot tarts, as well as delicate fruit pastries featuring peach or pear.

Serving and cellaring
The Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives 2018 should be served well chilled, between 6 and 10°C, to preserve the delicate balance between sweetness and vibrancy.

An exceptional Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives from Domaine Marcel Deiss in Alsace

The estate
Founded in 1947 by Marcel Deiss in Bergheim, in the heart of Alsace, the Domaine Marcel Deiss now covers around 27 hectares spread across nine villages. Currently run by Mathieu Deiss, who succeeded his father Jean-Michel, the estate has built an international reputation thanks to its revolutionary philosophy, favoring the expression of terroir over that of the grape variety. A pioneer of complantation in Alsace—an ancestral practice consisting of planting several varieties within the same plot—the estate has practiced biodynamic viticulture since 1998 and is certified by Ecocert and Demeter. Recognized among France’s greatest producers with five stars in the Bettane & Desseauve guide, Domaine Marcel Deiss embodies Alsatian winemaking excellence.

The vineyard
The vineyards of Domaine Marcel Deiss are spread over about twenty kilometers across nine villages in Alsace, offering an exceptional diversity of terroirs. This mosaic of plots allows the estate to benefit from varied exposures and multiple geological conditions, characteristic of Alsace’s viticultural richness. The vines are farmed according to biodynamic principles, promoting soil health and the balance of the vineyard ecosystem.

The vintage
The 2018 vintage in Alsace was a year marked by strong climatic contrasts. After a relatively mild winter followed by a freezing February with temperatures dropping to -13°C, spring began with early budbreak in mid-April. May proved exceptionally rainy, recording 42% more rainfall than average. From mid-June onward, a long dry spell set in, punctuated by a heat wave in August with temperatures reaching 40°C. Timely rains in late August and early September allowed for balanced ripening of the grapes. Harvesting of the gewurztraminers began in early September, making it possible to pick grapes with a high concentration of natural sugars and optimal development of noble rot.

Winemaking and aging
The Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives 2018 is vinified according to the estate’s methods, which prioritize the natural expression of terroir. Fermentation is carried out with indigenous yeasts naturally present on the grape skins. The wine is neither fined nor filtered, thus preserving its aromatic and gustatory purity. This non-interventionist approach allows the wine to retain all of its authenticity and complexity.

Grape variety
100% gewurztraminer