Pinot Gris Vendanges Tardives
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed 5 to 15 years from the vintage release, though exceptional vintages can cellar beautifully for up to 20 years.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Foie gras, strong washed-rind cheeses like Munster, and spiced fruit tarts.
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Wolfberger, established in 1902 in the historic village of Eguisheim, is a cornerstone of Alsatian winemaking. This Pinot Gris Vendanges Tardives (Late Harvest) represents the pinnacle of patience and natural alchemy. The grapes are left on the vine weeks after the normal harvest, allowing them to shrivel and often develop Botrytis cinerea (noble rot), which concentrates sugars, acidity, and complex aromatics. Historically, Pinot Gris in Alsace was referred to as 'Tokay d'Alsace,' a nod to legendary tales of Hungarian vines brought back by General Lazare de Schwendi in the 16th century. Grown on the region's diverse clay-limestone soils, this wine undergoes slow fermentation and extended lees aging, resulting in a rich, opulent profile defined by notes of honey, dried apricots, smoky minerals, and gingerbread, all balanced by Alsace's signature vibrant acidity.
🍾 wine.about_producer
Founded in 1902 in the historic village of Eguisheim, Wolfberger is a pioneering force in Alsace winemaking, established originally as a cooperative by visionary local winegrowers. Spanning a diverse mosaic of Alsatian terroirs, the house respects traditional viticultural methods while embracing modern innovation to express the pure varietal character of the region. They are highly celebrated for their expressive white wines, including the "Collection Signature" series of Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Gris, as well as their luscious Vendanges Tardives and elegant Pinot Noir. As one of the first to champion the Cr mant d'Alsace appellation, Wolfberger remains a benchmark of quality and authenticity, capturing the vibrant spirit of Alsatian viticulture.