Gustave Lorentz Riesling Gran Cru Altenberg de Bergheim 2018
Overview
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This Grand Cru Riesling is a bright golden-yellow in color. It opens immediately with intense aromas of grapefruit and bergamot, accented by flint and white pepper notes. The palate is ample-bodied, concentrated but refined with welcoming flavors of Amalfi lemon, tarragon and sage. The finish is long and structured. This wine has excellent aging potential. |
Wine Facts
VITICULTURE: This wine is produced from 100 % Riesling 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 from which this wine is produced are very old, 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. Altenberg Grand Cru wines are remarkable for the perfect balance between their subtle, distinguished aroma and their powerful body.
The 2018 vintage will go down in history, both in terms of unusual climatic conditions and quality of the harvest. Following a tumultuous growing season with high rainfall, luckily the harvest conditions were exceptional – yielding aromatic, balanced wines with beautifully dry extracts.
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 Gran Cru
Country: France
Wine Composition: 100% Riesling
Alcohol: 13.5%
Residual Sugar: 1.91 G/L
Total Acidity: 6.4 G/L
Region: AOC Alsace Gran Cru
Country: France
Wine Composition: 100% Riesling
Alcohol: 13.5%
Residual Sugar: 1.91 G/L
Total Acidity: 6.4 G/L
Press Highlights
2019: 97 Pts 'Best in Show Medal' - Decanter World Wine Awards 20232008: 93 Pts ‘Cellar Selection’ - Wine Enthusiast, Dec 2014
2008: 92 Pts - Wine Advocate, Sept. 2015
2008: 90+ Pts - Vinos
2007: 92 Pts - Wine & Spirits, Dec 2013
2005: 91 Pts - WineReviewOnline.com
2005: 90 Pts - Wine Enthusiast