Gewürztraminer Sonnenglanz Grand Cru 2018

Wine Description for Gewürztraminer Sonnenglanz Grand Cru 2018 by Trapet Alsace

Colour & Appearance

Pale golden yellow with luminous reflections, brilliantly clear in the glass – a visual promise of Alsatian precision.

Nose

Here Gewürztraminer reveals its noblest side: white peach and linden blossom open subtly, followed by orange zest and green mandarins. Pink rose petals and honey complement the aromatic spectrum, whilst wet limestone provides the necessary grounding. Not an opulent spectacle, but controlled elegance.

Palate

Impressively taut and disciplined – precisely what one expects from biodynamic Grand Cru viticulture. The creamy texture is carried by citrus aromas and a mineral-saline foundation. The residual sweetness is perfectly integrated, never intrusive, but rather part of a compact, refined structure. At 13.5% alcohol, this Gewürztraminer presents itself as a high-performance wine without any heaviness.

Finish

Long, precise and characterised by fine minerality. The acidity carries the aromas far, without the sweetness dominating – a sign of great ageing potential.

Terroir & Origin

The Grand Cru vineyard site Sonnenglanz lies at the edge of Beblenheim with south-easterly exposure at 220-270 metres altitude. The tertiary boundary conglomerates of Rheingaben limestone with intercalated marls form a heavy, stony calcareous soil – ideal conditions for concentrated, mineral-driven Gewürztraminer.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Gewürztraminer from biodynamic cultivation. Domaine Trapet forgoes fining and filtration to achieve maximum terroir expression. The reduced yields and biodynamic management since 1997 manifest themselves in the wine’s extraordinary concentration and precision.

Food Pairing Recommendations

Tomato-mango-mozzarella with basil, pike dumplings with spring turnips and beurre blanc or duck with pineapple sauerkraut and blood sausage ravioli – this Gewürztraminer masters both vegetarian and opulent meat dishes with aplomb.

Special Characteristics

A Gewürztraminer that convinces through understatement rather than overwhelming with opulence. The combination of Burgundian winemaking philosophy with Alsatian terroir makes this wine an exceptional specimen that will benefit from bottle age.