History
When Ernest Schlumberger died, his wife Christine (1894-1971) ran Domaines Schlumberger for almost 20 years and managed it with talent and a firm hand. She was the grandmother of current chairman Alain Beydon – Schlumberger. Vendanges Tardives (an appellation since 1984) are wines made with over-ripe grapes picked several weeks after the grape harvest. Contrary to certain botrytized sweet wines, they have a freshness and natural acidity which give them an absolutely unique flavour.
Location
Our Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives Cuvée Christine 2004 comes exclusively from our Grand Cru KESSLER.
Wine-making
Cuvée Christine is a selection of late-picked wines produced in 2004. Work was monitored right from winter pruning to harvesting which took place in November 2004. Hand-picked on steep slopes, the grapes were then carried in crates (to avoid damaging the berries) to our winery and then slowly pressed. After letting the must settle statically for about 3 days, the perfectly clear juice was put in tuns (where the temperature was rigorously controlled) to ferment. Fermentation lasted between 1 and 3 months until spring. The wines were stabilized, filtered and then bottled the following spring. They were then stocked for several years before being labelled and distributed throughout the world.
Gastronomy
- Aperitif
- Foie gras
- Strong cheeses
- Pastry, tart, cream or mousse
- To finish a meal
- By itself at any time
Serve at 12°C
Learn more about food & wine pairing
Tasting
The robe is a buttercup yellow with green reflections of good intensity. The disk is bright, limpid and clear. The wine has a youthful quality. The nose is pleasant, frank and distinguished, it displays a dominant of candied, honeyed, overripe flavours. Aeration enhances its botrytis character and displays an exotic fruits faint, as well as candied quince and apricot hints. The superb overripe nose is slightly dominated by the noble rot. The entry is ample and syrupy. The alcoholic base is full bodied. One evolves on a delicate and lively medium. The range of flavour is complex, floral with a slightly bitterness. The finish presents a length of 8 “caudalies” still with a touch of bitterness and an underlying vivacity.
Technical sheet elaborated by M. Pascal Leonetti
Best Sommelier of France 2006
Sommelier at l’Auberge de l’Ill (*** Michelin)
