Gewürztraminer Furstentum Grand Cru 2023

Wine description for Gewürztraminer Furstentum Grand Cru 2023 by Domaine Albert Mann

Character

A Gewürztraminer of rare balance: luscious in the finest Alsatian sense, without ever becoming cloying. The 13.5% ABV alcohol carries an abundance of rose petals, lychee and grapefruit zest, yet what sets this wine apart from the crowd is its structure. Here one senses the signature of Maurice and Jacky Barthelmé, who have been farming biodynamically since 1997 and have learnt which variety belongs where. The result possesses a precision seldom found in this grape – no opulent charmer, but a wine with backbone.

Terroir & Origin

Furstentum is one of six Grand Cru vineyard sites that the Barthelmés cultivate across their 25 hectares around Wettolsheim. Here the Gewürztraminer grows on limestone soils – a substrate that lends the variety a tension it often lacks elsewhere. The estate’s holdings are scattered across nearly one hundred parcels, each with its own character. On the steepest slopes, the growers use horses instead of tractors to avoid compacting the soil. This approach, Demeter-certified since 1997, is reflected in the wine’s vitality.

Grape Variety & Vinification

In Alsace, Gewürztraminer is often a loud wine – opulent, exotic, sometimes heavy. The Barthelmés interpret it differently. Their philosophy: force nothing, observe, respond. That means hand-harvesting, careful selection and a maturation that does not obscure the fruit. The luscious residual sugar here is no accident, but the expression of a vintage that yielded ripe grapes. What remains is a wine of aromatic intensity without heaviness – roses, exotic fruits, accompanied by a fine bitter note on the finish reminiscent of pomelo.

Food Pairings

The combination of sweetness, spice and structure makes this wine remarkably versatile. Classically paired with Munster cheese or Époisses, where it matches the intensity of the cheese. Equally superb with Asian cuisine – Vietnamese spring rolls, Thai curry or Peking duck all benefit from its aromatic presence. For something more down-to-earth: pork fillet with apple wedges or foie gras are tried-and-tested combinations. And enjoyed solo, as a meditation wine at the end of a meal, it reveals its full depth.