Gewürztraminer Steingrubler Grand Cru 2018

Wine Description for Gewürztraminer Steingrubler Grand Cru 2018 by Domaine Albert Mann

Character

Domaine Albert Mann is among the pioneers of biodynamic viticulture in Alsace and demonstrates with this Gewürztraminer from the Grand Cru vineyard site Steingrubler how precise and elegant this often exuberant varietal can be. The 2018 vintage benefited from a warm, sunny year that provided the grape with perfect ripening conditions, without allowing the characteristic aromatic intensity to descend into clumsy heaviness. With moderate residual sweetness, this wine remains in the off-dry to medium-sweet range, which is entirely fitting for the varietal and terroir.

Terroir & Origin

Steingrubler is located in Wettolsheim and ranks among the 51 Grand Cru vineyard sites of Alsace. The soils consist of limestone with clay inclusions, which lend the Gewürztraminer structure and minerality. This geological composition tempers the sometimes intrusive opulence of the varietal and creates tension. The biodynamic management practised by the Mann family – consistently applied since 1997 – promotes authentic terroir expression and allows the wines to mature with particular vibrancy and depth.

Varietal & Vinification

Gewürztraminer is Alsace’s most aromatic varietal, a mutation of Traminer with pink berries and an intense aromatic spectrum. Domaine Mann vinifies with natural yeasts and allows the wines time to develop. The moderate alcohol content of 13% points to controlled yields and selective harvesting. The residual sweetness is balanced by the varietal’s natural acidity, which gives the wine drinking flow and elegance rather than sweet heaviness. The result is a Gewürztraminer that combines power with finesse – precisely that balance which distinguishes great Grand Cru wines.

Food Pairing Recommendations

This Gewürztraminer harmonises beautifully with Alsatian cuisine: foie gras, Munster cheese or Baeckeoffe. Its aromatic intensity makes it the ideal companion for Asian dishes – from Thai curries to Sichuan cuisine and Indian tandoori specialities. It also shows its versatility with smoked fish, spiced scallops or Moroccan tagines. The residual sweetness furthermore makes it the perfect partner for blue cheese or fruit desserts.