Riesling Altenbourg, Vendanges Tardives 2019

Wine description for Riesling Altenbourg Vendanges Tardives 2019 by Domaine Albert Mann

Colour & appearance

Radiant golden yellow, bright and clear – a wine that already shows great promise in the glass.

Nose

A subtle tartness meets a basket of fresh fruits: lime, grapefruit, apricot and orange marmalade. With a little air, chalky notes emerge. One can sense that this wine is only at the beginning of its evolution.

Palate

Intense sweetness, balanced by vibrant acidity – this is the tension that distinguishes great late-harvest wines. Alongside this, delicate spice and compact minerality. At just 11% ABV, it remains cool, filigree and refreshing – sweetness without heaviness.

Finish

Long and succulent, with lingering citrus fruit and pronounced mineral drive. The ageing potential is considerable – there is clearly much more to come.

Terroir & origin

The Altenbourg vineyard site near Kientzheim lies at an altitude of 225 to 250 metres, directly below the Grand Cru Furstentum. The soils contain limestone and sediments but are significantly sandier – ideal conditions for slowly ripening grapes and outstanding Vendanges Tardives. Behind this stands Domaine Albert Mann in Wettolsheim: Maurice and Jacky Barthelmé farm 25 hectares, certified biodynamic and Demeter since 1997. Sweet wines are produced here only when the vintage allows – nothing is forced.

Grape variety & vinification

Pure Riesling as a Vendanges Tardives – the Alsatian late harvest made from fully ripe, late-picked grapes, lusciously sweet in style.

Food pairings

A versatile partner at the table: mini artichokes with blood orange chutney, aniseed and ginger, caramelised pork fillet in a sweet-sour-spicy sauce with pak choi, or classically with lime tart topped with meringue and mint.

Special characteristics

The rare interplay of opulent sweetness and racy acidity at moderate alcohol – a sweet wine that enlivens rather than weighs down, and one that will only benefit from further ageing.