VINIFICATION: The grapes are carefully selected and vinified according to the “Methode Champenoise.” After traditional fermentation “vin de base” in tanks, a second fermentation (“prise de mousse”) takes place in the cool cellars. It does not undergo malolactic fermentation. Aging is done “sur lie” over 14 to 18 months, with daily bottle rotation, going from a horizontal to vertical position, in order for the yeast deposit to accumulate in the neck of the bottle. At the time of disgorgement, the neck is frozen and, enclosed in ice, the sediment is ejected by natural pressure, after which the bottle is corked and wired.
FAMILY: “The essence of our wines stems from the close relationship between grape variety, terroir and climate.” Those immortal words from Gustave Lorentz, the founder of this famed Alsatian estate, pervade every aspect of the winemaking and winegrowing process, and it has since its founding in 1836. There have been seven generations of family tradition here, currently helmed by sixth generation Georges Lorentz, and with that kind of legacy comes innovation. Gustave Lorentz was among the first producers in Alsace to use stelvin closures and became certified organic by Ecocert in 2012.
Gustave Lorentz vineyards are nestled in the hills of Altenberg de Bergheim in the Vosges Mountains on 85 acres, with four being planted on the hills of Grand Cru Kanzlerberg and 30 in the Altenberg de Bergheim. Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Blanc varieties, all vinified separately, make up the majority of plantings of these exceptional vineyards, along with smatterings of other varieties.
Producer: Gustave Lorentz
Region: AOC Alsace
Country: France
Wine Composition: 60% Pinot Blanc, 18% Pinot Gris, 12% Pinot Noir, 10% Chardonnay
Alcohol: 12.5%
Total Acidity: 5.05 G/L
Residual Sugar: 10 G/L