Domaines Schlumberger Kitterle Grand Cru Pinot Gris 2005
| Winery: |
Domaines Schlumberger |
| Varietals: |
Pinot Gris/Grigio
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| Vintage: |
2005 |
| Region: |
France - Other regions - Alsace |
| Type: |
White Wine |
| Style: |
White - Fruity & Smooth |
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| Retail: | $16.69 |
| Savings: |
0% |
| Price: |
$16.69 |
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The Wine
With a single holding of more than 330 acres at Guebwiller, Domaines Schlumberger is the largest Grands Crus producer in Alsace. All Schlumberger wines are estate-grown. Seventy five percent of the vines are planted on very steep, terraced slopes, requiring horses be used for field work. The outstanding quality of the wines is due largely to Schlumberger's superior vineyards, but also because yields are deliberately kept low.
With a base of red sandstone, the Kitterle's permeable soil also includes plenty of quartz mixed with sand and gravel. This combination results in extremely rich wines and a very low yield.
The Pinot Gris, previously called Tokay d'Alsace, is one of the oldest Alsace grapes. The varietal is characterized by buttery, smoky aromas and powerfully intense flavors.
A fruity wine offering a subtle, complex bouquet with honey aromas. Luscious fruit flavors accented with cream, vanilla and almond. Good natural acidity. An elegant and supple wine, it is suitable for all occasions. Enjoyable now, but can easily be kept 6-8 years.
The Growing Region - Alsace
Seventy miles long and two miles wide, Alsace is a beautiful, picturesque region situated along the border of France and Germany, nestled between the Voges Mountains and the Rhine River. These landmarks give Alsace an ideal climate for the white grapes that have become the mainstays of the region. Pinot Noir is also grown, with plantings of the grape increasing with consumer demand for red wine. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Alsace underwent a territorial tug-of-war, bouncing from France to Germany and back to France again at the end of the first World War. While the French led the renaissance of fine wine production in the 20th century, Alsacians have integrated both French and German influences in their wine. Alsacian wines are mostly white, with Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer leading the plantings. Pinot Blanc, Muscat and Sylvaner are also popular varietals. The bottles are flute-shaped, like many German wines, and the type of grape is clearly placed on the wine's label – quite unlike the typical French practice of labeling wines by region.
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Notable Facts:
Alsace wines have four noble varieties: Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Muscat. These are the only varietals allowed in the 50 Alsacian Grand Cru wines. Pinot Blanc, while not noble, is key in making many of the Cremant d'Alsace (sparkling wines) and is found in many Alsace AC blends. Most of the wines from the region are dry – with steely acidity and round fruit flavors, typically more full bodied (aka, more alcohol) than their German counterparts. There are also sweet wines and, of course, sparkling.
About France - Other regions:
When it comes to wine, France is a classic. Classic blends, grapes and styles began in the country and they still remain. Think about it - people ask for a Burgundian style Pinot Noir, they refer to wines as Bordeaux or Rhone blends - Champagne even had to pass a law to stop international wineries from putting their region on the label!
The top regions of France are: Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Languedoc-Roussillon, Loire, Rhone. And these regions are so diverse! It makes sense that wine regions throughout the world try to emulate their style. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are no longer French varieties, but international varieties. No matter your feeling on the country or its politics, there is no doubt that they are still producing wines of quality and diversity.
Wine Review Profile
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50% Thumbs Up (5 users) |
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