Vintage - 2016

Country - France

Region - Alsace

Grape Varieties - Gewürztraminer 100%

Alcohol by volume - 13.5%

Bottle - 75cl

The Dopff family has been winegrowers since 1574 and still manage the 70 hectare estate near the charming medieval town of Riquewihr. The vineyards are more than 300 metres above sea level, nestled in the foothills of the lower Vosges. As a family of pioneers, they were responsible for the use of the stemmed wine bottles, which today distinguish Alsace wines from other regions. In 1900, tenth generation Julien Dopff was so impressed by the Champagne tastings held in Paris' World Exhibition, he learnt the art of winemaking in Champagne for two years before returning to Alsace. After WW II Julien Dopff strongly believed that a Crémant made from local grape varieties and reflecting the terroir of Alsace should be produced and protected. In 1976, together with five other producers, he finally obtained official recognition for Crémant d'Alsace as an AOC.

The vineyards are situated in the lieu-dit of Gehey, in Riquewihr, on a gently sloping hillside with an Eastern orientation. The terroir is made up of sandy clay soils with good drainage. Pruned to the Guyot system, the vines undergo a green harvest and meticulous canopy management, to ensure good light penetration and air flow.

The grapes were harvested at optimum maturity and carefully selected. The grapes were whole bunch pressed, prior to a static settling process. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures, maintaining the purity of fruit, the varietal characteristics of Gewürztraminer and the absolute expression of terroir.

A fine floral and fruity bouquet with prominent rose petal aromas, leads to a generous, off-dry wine with a beautiful texture, racy acidity and seductive flavours of lychee and stone fruits. Delicious with lobster or spicy duck dishes.