Schwarzberg Tokay Pinot Gris
⏳ Drinking Window
Typically best enjoyed 3–10 years from vintage release, though top vintages can cellar gracefully for up to 15 years.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
roasted pork loin with apples, creamy mushroom risotto, Munster cheese
✨ Technical Specifications
Hailing from the Schwarzberg lieu-dit in the communal area of Bergholtz, this wine reflects a unique terroir of clay-limestone and sandstone soils. The name 'Tokay Pinot Gris' carries historical significance, recalling the centuries-old Alsatian tradition of referring to Pinot Gris as 'Tokay'—a name legally retired in 2007 to protect Hungary's Tokaji appellation. According to local legend, vines were brought to Alsace from Hungary in the 16th century by Baron Lazare de Schwendi, though modern ampelography proved the grape is actually of French origin. Domaine Dirler-Cad e crafts this wine using biodynamic viticulture, capturing the inherent richness, subtle smokiness, and deep mineral core characteristic of the Schwarzberg slope. The slow, natural fermentation and aging on fine lees yield a textured, complex white wine of great purity.
🍾 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