Domaine Gruss 2006 Tasting Notes

Gewürztraminer Vieilles Vignes 2005
Riesling Les Prélats 2005

The 2005 vintage in Alsace was close to perfection. The year was hot and very dry, and the grapes ripened under perfect conditions - hot days and cool nights served to preserve acidity, and the fruit came in perfectly balanced.

Our exclusive Riesling Les Prélats 2005 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. Delightfully balanced, it is delicious now but will go on improving for at least another 10 years. It is irresistible for sipping with hors d’oeuvres and is also excellent with seafood, trout and poultry dishes.

Our exclusive Gewürztraminer Vieilles Vignes 2005 also benefited from the perfect conditions. Elegant and aromatic, it will age well for at least 10 years. This wine is becoming a recognised name at the International Wine Challenge - the largest blind wine tasting in the world - as the 2002 was awarded a Seal of Approval in 2004 and last year’s entry, the 2004 vintage, picked up a Silver Medal. This wine’s bouquet and flavours of ripe, exotic fruits - lychees, mango and pineapple - all wrapped up with some gentle spicy notes and delightful acidity, make it instantly recognisable. It goes extremely well with lots of highly-seasoned dishes, including spicy curries; indeed it is one of the best matches for Indian and Asian cuisine. It is also an excellent accompaniment to strong cheese or fruit-based desserts - especially those made with apricots or spiced apples.