2016 Pinot Gris, Domaine Rolly-Gassmann, Alsace

2016 Pinot Gris, Domaine Rolly-Gassmann, Alsace

Product: 20161614376
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2016 Pinot Gris, Domaine Rolly-Gassmann, Alsace

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About this WINE

Rolly Gassmann

Rolly Gassmann

Located in Alsace’s Haut-Rhin village of Rorschwihr, near Ribeauvillé, lies the family domaine of Rolly-Gassmann, whose roots date back to 1661. The 51 hectare estate (40ha in Rorschwihr, 10ha in Bergheim) is owned and  run by Marie-Therese, Louis & their son Pierre Gassmann, along with a team of 17 workers.

They work to the principles of biodynamic viticulture yet curiously also apply weed killers. They produce on average 300,000 bottles per annum and they are notable for having more than four years’ stock (1 million bottles) in stock at any one time, which would account for the regular visits by French customers; they only export 20% of their annual production.

The 250ha commune of Rorschwihr, first noted for its wine in 742AD, lies on one of Alsace’s many faultlines (ala Burgundy), giving rise to a complex tapestry of 21 different soil types, particularly limestone, sandstone, granite and silt. So complex in fact that when the authorities sought to lump together vineyards to form large plots as part of the new Grand Cru system (1970s/80s), the villagers rose up and declared that either there would be 12 Rorschwihr Grand Crus or none at all. Hence today there are no Grand Crus in Rorschwihr.

That said there are some standout Crus/lieux-dits that would surely qualify as Premier Cru sites if ever this classification was tabled. Limestone rich vineyards Silberberg, Kappelweg & Pflaenzerreben are rated for their Rieslings , Rotleibel’s darker brown clay and silt soils are meant for Pinot Gris, while the oolithic white lime stone of Oberer Weingarten & Stegreben are perfect for the Gassmann’s Gewurztraminer.

Vinification takes place in large oak barrels and stainless-steel, giving wines of great elegance, gentleness and drinkability.

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Pinot Gris  AOC Alsace

Pinot Gris AOC Alsace

Pinot Gris AOC Alsace is a white wine produced in the Alsace, the northeastern part of France, near the border with Germany. Pinot Gris is one of the four noble grape varieties grown in Alsace, along with Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Muscat.

Pinot Gris, also known as Pinot Grigio in Italy, is a grape variety that produces various styles, from light and crisp to rich and full-bodied. In Alsace, Pinot Gris tends to lean towards the fuller-bodied end of the spectrum. The wines are known for their aromatic complexity, with flavours that include ripe stone fruits like peach, apricot, and pear and notes of honey, spice, and sometimes a hint of smoke.

Pinot Gris AOC Alsace wines typically have a golden yellow colour and a rich, oily texture on the palate. They can be dry or off-dry, with a noticeable presence of residual sugar in some examples. The wines often have a good level of acidity, which helps balance the richness and sweetness.

Alsace is known for its unique terroir, which plays a significant role in shaping the character of Pinot Gris wines. The region's vineyards benefit from a semi-continental climate with sunny, dry days and cool nights. The Vosges Mountains protect from excessive rainfall, creating a relatively dry microclimate. The diverse soils, which include granite, limestone, marl, and sandstone, add further complexity to the wines.

Pinot Gris AOC Alsace wines are quite versatile regarding food pairings. Their fuller body and slightly off-dry character make them an excellent match for various dishes. They pair well with roasted poultry, grilled fish, seafood, creamy sauces, and spicy Asian cuisine. The wines can also be enjoyed on their own as an apéritif.

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Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio

Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio

A first class grape variety grown in Alsace, where it is known as Tokay Pinot Gris, and in Italy, where it is called Pinot Grigio. In Alsace it is best suited to the deep, clay rich soils found in the north of the region where it produces richly honeyed, dry whites as well as superb sweet late harvest wines. At its best it combines the heady perfume and rich aroma of Gewürztraminer with the acidity one associates with Riesling. It ages very well, developing rich buttery characteristics.

In Northern Italy Pinot Grigio produces many thin undistinguished dry whites. However it comes into its own in Friuli-Venezia and the Alto Adige, where leading producers such as Alvaro Pecorari of Lis Neris produce marvellously rounded, elegant, and mineral laden examples. Pinot Gris is now grown with notable success in Oregon in the USA and in New Zealand.

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