Gustave Lorentz Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergheim 2016
Overview
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Time has mellowed this Gewurztraminer to a creamy, elegant expression with excellent depth and textural complexity for the Grand Cru category and a long, delicate finish. |
Wine Facts
VITICULTURE: This wine is produced from organically grown Gewurztraminer grapes from the classified Grand Cru site of the Altenberg of Bergheim vineyard owned by Gustave Lorentz. The dominant soil of this area is clay and limestone. The vines used are between 30-50 years old. The pride of Bergheim winegrowers, the Altenberg has been renowned for its fine wines since the end of 13th century.
After a dry summer and autumn of 2015, the first half of the 2016 growing season saw heavy precipitation. This was linked to low spring temperatures and a delayed vegetative cycle. Warmer weather arrived in early May and allowed the vines to rebound. A variable summer gave way to high temperatures in late August, evolving the acidity levels and keeping the vines healthy.
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 Grand Cru
Country: France
Wine Composition: 100% Gewurztraminer
Alcohol: 13.4%
Total Acidity: 4.2 G/L
Residual Sugar: 30.1 G/L
Region: AOC Alsace Grand Cru
Country: France
Wine Composition: 100% Gewurztraminer
Alcohol: 13.4%
Total Acidity: 4.2 G/L
Residual Sugar: 30.1 G/L
Press Highlights
2011: 95 Pts - Wine Enthusiast, Dec 2017
2010: 92 Pts - Wine Advocate, Sept 2015
2010: 92 Pts - Wine Enthusiast, Jul 2014
2010: 90 Pts - Wine & Spirits 'Years Best' Issue, Dec 2014
2007: 92 Pts - Wine & Spirits, Dec 2013
2007: 91 Pts - Wine Enthusiast, Aug 2012
2006: 91 Pts - Wine Enthusiast, Oct 2010