Domaine Gruss 2007 Tasting Notes

Gewürztraminer Vieilles Vignes 2006
Riesling Les Prélats 2006

The weather in 2006 was a challenge to Alsace winemakers, and demanded all the very best of their skills to produce fine wines when the grapes were harvested.  After a very hot and dry July came a rainy and damp August.  Fortunately September was fine and with a speedy and highly selective harvest by hand in early October André and his team were able to select only the ripest grapes.  This was crucial as the damp conditions can encourage mildew and botrytis, but overall André was very pleased with the quality of the grapes.  He notes that this year the wines express more classically their characteristic varietal nose and flavours.

Our exclusive Riesling Les Prélats 2006 as usual shows the tremendous finesse that this grape variety is capable of.  It is a classically elegant Riesling – dry, aromatic and full of fruit with great subtlety.  Well balanced  with good acidity it is delicious now but will go on improving for at least another 6 to 7 years.  This wine is irresistible for sipping with hors d’oeuvres but also makes an excellent accompaniment to seafood, trout or poultry dishes.

Our exclusive Gewürztraminer Vieilles Vignes 2006 is instantly recognisable.  This wine’s bouquet homes in on ripe, exotic fruits – lychees, mango and pineapple – gently wrapped up with some spicy notes and good acidity.  Elegant and aromatic, it makes a perfect aperitif but it also goes extremely well with lots of highly seasoned dishes, including spicy curries, and is also an excellent accompaniment to strong cheese or fruit-based desserts.  It will age well for at least 7 or 8 years.  Our Gewürztraminer Vieilles Vignes is becoming a recognised name at the International Wine Challenge, the largest blind wine tasting in the world.  This year's Option wine was awarded a Silver Medal at the International Wine Challenge and last year’s vintage was awarded an outstanding Gold.