Alsace Gewurztraminer Schloesselreben SGN 2008 Domaine Bott-Geyl

The Alsace Gewurztraminer Schloesselreben Sélection de Grains Nobles 2008 from Domaine Bott Geyl is a rare luscious Gewurztraminer from a lieu dit in Beblenheim, where this variety shows both elegance and intensity. A Sélection de Grains Nobles sits at the summit of Alsace's sweet wine hierarchy, and after more than fifteen years in bottle it reveals the full complexity that noble rot and time bestow: a wine for contemplation.

Terroir and vineyards

The Schloesselreben in Beblenheim is made up of calcareous loess, Oligocene marls and limestone pebbles. Its westerly exposure brings good ripeness while preserving a lively acid backbone, essential to the balance of a great sweet wine. The vineyard has been farmed organically since 2000 and biodynamically since 2002, without synthetic inputs, at low yields. For this Sélection de Grains Nobles, the grapes, touched by noble rot, are picked berry by berry, by hand, over successive passes through the vineyard. The very slow fermentation is carried out with indigenous yeasts, without enzymes, chaptalisation or fining, and the wine is then aged at length on fine lees and kept in bottle at the estate before release.

Tasting profile

The colour is a deep, bright amber gold. The nose is intense and complex, combining candied rose, preserved exotic fruit, dried apricot, quince, orange peel, honey, praline, gentle spices and botrytis notes, with the tertiary nuances of a fine evolution. On the palate the sweetness is dense, unctuous and highly concentrated yet pure, carried by a freshness that gives it lift. The finish is endless, spiced and honeyed.

The estate

Heir to a family tradition dating back to 1795, Jean Christophe Bott has run Domaine Bott Geyl in Beblenheim since 1993. He converted the estate to organic farming in 2000 and to biodynamics in 2002. The domaine covers around fifteen hectares, including six Grands Crus, four lieux dits and one historic clos, and its Vendanges Tardives and Sélections de Grains Nobles rank among its most celebrated cuvées.

Food and wine pairing

This Sélection de Grains Nobles pairs with foie gras terrine, a well aged Munster, blue cheeses such as Roquefort, spiced desserts, an exotic fruit or citrus tart, or may be enjoyed on its own as a wine for contemplation. Served between 8 and 10 °C, it can be drunk now at its peak, or kept for many years to come.