While keeping the characteristics of each grape variety, we obtain softer and more powerful wines. Late harvest wines are to be aged. They reach maturity only after a minimum of 3 or 4 years and can be kept for at least 10 years.
The winery’s latest harvest: 1997. The grapes were harvested on December 16, after the first snow. This nectar was almost 16 degrees. The vines had been covered with nets to protect them from starlings!
Appellation Vendanges Tardives
The appellation Vendanges tardives or late harvest is reserved for some grape varieties: Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer.
These prestigious wines are harvested several weeks after the end of the traditional harvest.
The grapes are then affected by noble rot (Botrytis Cinerea).
To protect this appellation, very strict rules have been established:
- The grapes must reach a minimum sugar level: Riesling and Muscat: 235 g/litre (14° potential alcohol), Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer: 276 g/litre (15.3°)
- The I.N.A.O. (national institute of origin and quality) checks the wine on the day of harvest
- Chaptalization is forbidden
- The wines are tasted and analysed 18 months after the harvest
Sélections de Grains Nobles
They are obtained by sorting grapes affected by overripeness and noble rot. These are rare vintages.
Even stricter rules are applied than for the late harvest.
Minimum sugar levels:
- Riesling and Muscat: 276 g/litre (16.4° potential alcohol)
- Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer: 306 g/litre (18.2°).
These wines express exceptional maturity and concentration, and can be kept for at least ten years.