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 in the southern Alsatian village of Bergholtz, Domaine Dirler-Cadé represents the union of two historic winegrowing families, merged in 2000 following the marriage of Jean Dirler and Ludivine Cadé. A pioneer of biodynamic viticulture in Alsace, the estate converted its vineyards to biodynamics in 1998 to respect natural biodiversity and preserve soil vitality. Their prime vineyard holdings encompass historic Grands Crus—including Kessler, Kitterlé, Saering, and Spiegel—alongside distinct lieux-dits such as Belzbrunnen and Schimberg. Dirler-Cadé is globally renowned for its bone-dry, terroir-driven Rieslings, vibrant Pinot Gris, aromatic Gewurztraminers, and finely textured Crémant d'Alsace sparkling wines.
🍇 Grape Varieties
Pinot Gris