Domaine Gruss 2008 Tasting Notes

Gewürztraminer Vieilles Vignes 2007
Riesling Les Prélats 2007

Brows were furrowed during the summer as cool and damp weather throughout most of France created a degree of uncertainty amongst vignerons. However, as so often happens in Alsace, two months of perfect weather then prevailed and a huge sigh of relief echoed throughout the Vosges mountains. Indeed, André excitedly describes the 2007 vintage in Alsace as one of the finest he and his father have ever known!

Our exclusive Riesling Les Prélats 2007 as usual shows the tremendous finesse that this noble grape variety is capable of. It has a classically pure, mineral nose with a touch of florality. The palate is deliciously fresh and elegant with abundant flavours of lime and citrus fruits and a softer peachiness in the finish, which is long, pure and pristine. This dry, aromatic style of riesling will develop well and over the coming 5–6 years may well take on some of the mineral complexity known as ‘goût de pétrole’ which Riesling lovers so enjoy. This wine is delicious with hors d’oeuvres but also makes an excellent accompaniment to seafood, trout or poultry dishes.

Our exclusive Gewürztraminer Vieilles Vignes 2007 is instantly recognisable. Vintage conditions particularly suited this most aromatic of grape varieties and you won’t be disappointed with this fine example. It has the classic, flowery, spicy and exotically scented nose that leads nicely into the palate, which is fresh and fruity with a cocktail of lychee, mango and honeysuckle flavours. The finish is very long, spicy and gently sweet. 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 but is best enjoyed young, vivacious and fruity. Our Gewürztraminer Vieilles Vignes is becoming a recognised name at the International Wine Challenge, the largest blind wine tasting in the world. In the last two years it has been awarded a Silver and a Gold Medal. A wine of pedigree and class without doubt!