Schwarzberg Tokay Pinot Gris Vendanges Tardives
⏳ Drinking Window
Typically best enjoyed 10 to 25 years from the vintage release.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
foie gras, blue cheese, pear tart
✨ Technical Specifications
Hailing from the sandstone-rich slopes of the Schwarzberg lieu-dit in Bergholtz, this late-harvest masterpiece reflects the deep history of Alsace. The historical designation 'Tokay Pinot Gris' recalls the legendary tale of Baron Lazare de Schwendi, who allegedly brought vines back from the Hungarian town of Tokaj after fighting the Turks in the 16th century—though ampelographers later proved the grape was actually Pinot Gris. Under the meticulous biodynamic stewardship of Domaine Dirler-Cadé, the grapes are left on the vine to undergo noble rot, concentrating the sugars and acidity. The resulting Vendanges Tardives is a luscious, complex nectar that balances opulent sweetness with a vibrant mineral backbone derived from the unique terroir of the Schwarzberg.
🍾 About the Producer
Established in 1871 by Jean Dirler in the southern Alsatian village of Bergholtz, Domaine Dirler-Cadé took its modern form in 2000 following the marriage of fifth-generation vigneron Jean Dirler to Ludivine Cadé. Pioneers of ecological viticulture in the region, the family began converting to biodynamics in 1998 under the guidance of François Bouchet, attaining full Biodyvin and Demeter certification across their 18 hectares of vines. The estate's holdings are distinguished by prime parcels in four Grand Crus—Kessler, Kitterlé, Saering, and Spiegel—alongside celebrated lieux-dits such as Belzbrunnen, Bux, and Bollenberg. Here, steep slopes composed of Buntsandstein pink sandstone, volcanic conglomerates, and marl-limestone are worked by hand and horse-plowed. In the cellar, low-intervention vinification emphasizes gentle pressing, native yeast fermentations, and unhurried aging on fine lees in traditional neutral foudres and stainless steel. The resulting dry Rieslings, aromatic Pinot Gris, structured Gewurztraminers, and precision Crémants deliver intense mineral clarity, textural poise, and profound ageability.
🍇 Grapes
Pinot Gris