Tokay Pinot Gris
⏳ Drinking Window
Typically best enjoyed 5–15 years from vintage release.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
foie gras, roasted pork with apples, creamy mushroom risotto
✨ Technical Specifications
Historically known as 'Tokay Pinot Gris' before international trade agreements restricted the name to Hungarian Tokaji, this wine represents a legendary chapter in Alsace's winemaking history. According to local folklore, the grape was brought to Alsace in the 16th century by Baron Lazare de Schwendi after his campaigns in Hungary. While ampelographers later proved the grape was actually Pinot Gris rather than the Hungarian Furmint, the name 'Tokay' persisted for centuries as a symbol of richness and prestige. Domaine Dirler-Cadé crafts this Grand Cru expression using strict biodynamic methods, capturing the profound depth of their volcanic, sandstone, and limestone-rich terroirs. The resulting wine is celebrated for its opulent texture, balanced acidity, and complex smoky, honeyed, and orchard-fruit aromas.
🍾 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