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Pinot Gris d’Alsace is one of the oldest white wines from this wine-growing region. Like its Gewurztraminer counterpart, it is also reputed to be highly aromatic. Alsace, its region of origin, is a historic wine-growing region of world renown. Pinot Gris has been awarded the AOC and AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée) labels.
The legend of Alsace Pinot Gris and its origins
Pinot Gris has a very special history. In fact, it was originally called Tokay, the legend attributing Hungarian origins to it, although the grape variety is actually Burgundian. It’s onlye tardimentefrom the 17th century onwards, that several historians have found traces of its presence in Alsace. General Lazare de Schwendi is said to have brought back a plan from Hungary. In memory of the battles he had fought there, the general ordered a massive plantation and renamed it Tokaj, one of his greatest victories. He wants to mass-produce a sweet Hungarian wine. Nevertheless, he obtained a much drier wine, and Tokaj was renamed “Tokay d’Alsace”, a name it carried until 2007.
At the end of the Second World War, Alsatian winegrowers began to move upmarket, replacing traditional grape varieties with “noble” varieties such as Pinot Gris G. These efforts led to the creation of the “Vin d’Alsace” appellation.
Pinot Gris d’Alsace benefits from optimal winemaking conditions
Pinot Gris is grown and vinified both on the plains of Alsace and on the hillsides of the sub-Vosges. The lowest plots, on the plains, benefit from limestone soil, composed of alluvial deposits carried down by the Rhine. Their soil is therefore particularly fertile. The highest plots on the sub-Vosgian hills have soils composed of ancient rocks, notably plutonic and metamorphic. These include gneiss, granite and slate. A little lower down, the soil consists of marl on which sediment has accumulated. Whether plutonic or limestone, these rocks are highly conducive to good vine drainage. In fact, their porosity prevents water stagnation and they contribute mineral elements to the vines as they erode. In addition, the steep slopes of the hillsides encourage natural drainage.
What’s more, the weather conditions in the Pinot Gris plots are ideal. The climate is generally dry and continental. Alsace is one of France’s least humid wine-growing regions. The sunshine is more than adequate, so the 2,500 hectares of Pinot Gris vines flourish.
Pinot gris and its exceptional character
Alsace Pinot Gris is a single-varietal wine, meaning that its Charter requires the use of a single grape variety during vinification. In this case, the grape variety used is Pinot Gris G. In a sunny context like the one mentioned above, Pinot Gris G lends itself very well to late harvesting. So don’t hesitate to rely on the label. Finally, this grape variety is particularly resistant to spring frosts and the cold winters typical of the Grand Est region.
To the eye, the young Pinot Gris displays a pale yellow color with delicate green highlights. As this wine matures, and we strongly recommend keeping it, it will take on a warmer, more sumptuous golden hue. The nose initially reveals discreet aromas. But those lucky enough to taste a more mature Pinot Gris will be rewarded with unprecedented aromas of undergrowth and mushrooms, softened by hints of honey. Indeed, as it ages, Pinot Gris reveals very typical and interesting aromas. On the palate, Pinot Gris generally delivers singular power and opulence. Its perfect balance of acidity and sweetness will delight the palate.
In general, we recommend keeping a bottle of Pinot Gris for between 3 and 10 years, a rather classic ageing potential for good white wines. However, if it’s a Pinot Gris Vendanges Tardives, it’s advisable to keep it between 4 and 15 years. Please note that it is strongly recommended to keep this wine for at least 3 years to allow it to reveal its full potential.
Alsace Pinot Gris sublimates iodized flavors
Pinot gris is a dry wine belonging to the family of still wines. Nevertheless, its structure and powerful aroma make it a wine with a strong character that will enhance even the tastiest dishes.
As expected, Pinot Gris goes very well with meat dishes in sauce. It will undoubtedly go wonderfully well with a blanquette of veal, for example. And to pay homage to its region of origin, you can serve it with bakenhof, a dish of marinated meats accompanied by potatoes and onions.
Pinot Gris is also renowned for enhancing iodized flavors, especially the most exotic fish. A Pinot Gris, for example, is a perfect match for skate with capers, or more traditionally, asparagus with smoked salmon.
Finally, Pinot Gris’s character makes it an excellent partner for strong cheeses, especially Munster.
Pinot Gris is generally served between 8 and 10°C. It’s important not to serve it chilled, as this may exacerbate its acidity and alter its aromatic balance.
2007, an exceptional year for Alsace Pinot Gris
Pinot Gris has several denominations, including Grand Cru d’Alsace. Alsace has 51 for Pinot Gris. The terms “Vendanges Tardives” and “Sélection de Grains Nobles” are also used. Bottles dating from 2005 to 2013 are certainly good vintages. The best year was 2007.
Traditional, family-run estates form the terroir of Alsace Pinot Gris
Domaines Schlumberger
Originally from Swabia, a region of southern Germany, Claus Schlumberger settled in Guebwiller, Alsace in the 16th century, where he and his descendants made their careers in the craft and then the textile industries.
In 1812, Nicolas Schlumberger built his own successful textile machinery factory. To better integrate into the emerging manufacturing bourgeoisie, he used his fortune to buy 20 hectares of vines, now passionately cultivated by his descendants.
Today, the Pinot Gris Alsacien vineyard covers almost 140 hectares, including 70 hectares classified as Grands Crus. The Schlumberger estate covers four terroirs: Kessler, Saering, Spiegel and Kitterlé.
Zaepffel family
Know-how and passion for winemaking run in the family’s blood, as their surname “Zaepffel” is in fact derived from the Alsatian word “uszzapffen”, meaning “to draw from the barrel”. The Domaine de la Famille Zaepffel is, as its name suggests, a family estate that has been developing since the 16th century.ème century, very keen to respect traditional viticulture techniques while adapting them to modern techniques. They are committed to working with the organic label for some of their wines.
Extending over the terroir of Dambach-la-Ville, the wines of the Famille Zaepffel estate enjoy an unrivalled minerality that is evident in the palette of aromas revealed by their production.
