Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives

About this wine

A late-harvest (Vendanges Tardives) sweet wine from very old Gewurztraminer vines at the Muehlforst site. Brilliant golden color with an intense, concentrated nose of exotic fruit, honey, stewed white fruit, dried grapes and candied fruit; smooth and rich on the palate without heaviness, finishing with noble bitterness reminiscent of citrus zest.

Sommelier's Note

"This Vendanges Tardives shows why old vines and patient winemaking matter — richness balanced by a bittersweet citrus lift, never cloying."

Food Pairings

A classic match for foie gras, blue cheese (especially Roquefort), and fruit-based desserts; also pairs surprisingly well with mizu-yokan or other lightly sweet Japanese desserts.

When to drink it

Dessert course, cheese course, special celebration

Specs

Grape Varieties

Gewurztraminer

Style

dessert

Alcohol

13.5%

Price Range

$35-45 (half bottle, 375ml)

Terroir & Winemaking

Grapes hand-harvested at full over-ripeness from old vines at the Muehlforst site, picked in successive tries; slow fermentation halted naturally to retain high residual sugar, aged in stainless steel or old oak, bottled as a concentrated sweet wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'Vendanges Tardives' mean?

It means 'late harvest' in French — grapes are left on the vine longer to concentrate sugars, resulting in a rich, sweet wine, though generally less sweet than a Sélection de Grains Nobles.

Is it as sweet as a dessert wine like Sauternes?

It is rich and sweet, though typically with a lighter, more citrusy finish and lower botrytis character than Sauternes, since Vendanges Tardives doesn't always rely on noble rot.

How should it be served?

Serve chilled (8-10°C) in small pours alongside foie gras, blue cheese, or fruit-based desserts; it can also age gracefully for many years.