And now, for the fun part

an afternoon of 'degustation de vins!' My daughter and I met up with a character today, Seppi Landmann, who just joined forces with another winemaker to bring together two very nice domains into a rather large operation (by Alsatian standards). And what I thought was going to be a quick photo session, turned into a 3-hr long wine sampling and tasting affair… whew!

The one featured here is a Grand Cru Zinnkoepflé Pinot Gris vendanges tardives - honey colored with an impossible aroma of candied fruit. I don't think I've ever had a wine quite like that one: to die for.

Here's a quick run breakdown of the wines from my regions:
- they derive their names from the grape variety from which they are made, with seven varietals: Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Noir.
- In addition to the varietals, some wines are granted another label ('grand cru') which is only permitted for wines from one of 51 exceptional and clearly defined locations, identified by name. These distinctive wines express the characteristics of their specific terroir and are unique, delicate and complex. Only four varietals are permitted in the crafting of grands crus: Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris, and Gewurtraminer.
- These same four Grand Cru varietals can then be further refined through the process of vendanges tardives, where grapes are picked when over-ripe, often several weeks after the start of the harvest. The aromatic character of the grape is thus enhanced by concentration and the development of 'noble rot.' Carry the process further by harvesting individual grapes in successive pickings and you have grains nobles - powerful wines of great complexity and exceptional length on the palate, masterpieces of the viticultural art.

Living in the States, I'd forgotten just how delicate, intricate and wonderful it is to enjoy truly exceptional wines. Today's experience was right on time and my palate is re-energized ;)