Domaine Marcel Deiss : Gewurztraminer Vendanges tardives 2018

Tasting characteristics and advice for the Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives 2018 from Domaine Marcel Deiss

Tasting

Color
The wine displays a luminous golden hue with a bright golden-yellow tint, reflecting the grapes’ over-ripeness and the concentration of aromatic compounds.

Nose
The nose reveals a complex, elegant aromatic bouquet. Dominant notes of candied fruit and honey intertwine with aromas of fig and brioche. A schist-like mineral quality adds depth, while hints of delicate orange fruit, white flowers, rose, and gentle spices harmoniously complete the aromatic profile.

Palate
On the palate, the wine is rich and syrupy, with generous sweetness perfectly balanced by lively, lemony acidity that structures the mouthfeel. The texture is supple, full, and velvety. Hints of lemon and fresh citrus emerge on the finish, extending the tasting experience while bringing a lingering sensation of freshness.

Food and wine pairings
This Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives 2018 can be enjoyed on its own at the end of a meal, allowing its aromatic complexity to shine. It pairs wonderfully with foie gras, a classic match in Alsatian gastronomy. Bold blue cheeses such as Roquefort also make a harmonious pairing. For desserts, opt for exotic fruit-based preparations, rhubarb or apricot tarts, as well as delicate fruit pastries featuring peach or pear.

Serving and cellaring
The Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives 2018 should be served well chilled, between 6 and 10°C (43–50°F), to preserve the delicate balance between sweetness and vibrancy.

An exceptional Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives from Domaine Marcel Deiss in Alsace

The estate
Founded in 1947 by Marcel Deiss in Bergheim, in the heart of Alsace, Domaine Marcel Deiss now spans around 27 hectares across nine villages. Currently led by Mathieu Deiss, who succeeded his father Jean-Michel, the estate has built an international reputation thanks to its groundbreaking philosophy that favors expressing terroir rather than grape variety. A pioneer of co-planting in Alsace—an ancestral practice consisting of planting several varieties within the same parcel—the estate has been practicing biodynamic viticulture since 1998 and is certified by Ecocert and Demeter. Recognized among France’s greatest producers with five stars in the Bettane & Desseauve guide, Domaine Marcel Deiss embodies Alsatian wine excellence.

The vineyard
The vineyards of Domaine Marcel Deiss are spread over roughly twenty kilometers across nine villages in Alsace, offering exceptional diversity of terroirs. This mosaic of parcels allows the estate to benefit from varied exposures and multiple geological conditions, emblematic of Alsace’s viticultural richness. The vines are farmed according to biodynamic principles, promoting soil health and balance within the vineyard ecosystem.

The vintage
The 2018 vintage in Alsace was marked by pronounced climatic contrasts. After a relatively mild winter followed by a freezing February with temperatures dropping to -13°C (9°F), spring began with early budbreak in mid-April. May proved exceptionally rainy, recording 42% more rainfall than average. From mid-June onward, a long dry spell set in, punctuated by a heatwave in August with temperatures reaching 40°C (104°F). Timely rains in late August and early September allowed the grapes to ripen evenly. The gewurztraminer harvest began in early September, enabling the picking of grapes with a high concentration of natural sugars and optimal development of noble rot.

Vinification and aging
The Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives 2018 is vinified according to the estate’s methods, which favor the natural expression of terroir. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts naturally present on the grape skins. The wine is neither fined nor filtered, preserving its aromatic and flavor purity. This non-interventionist approach allows the wine to retain all of its authenticity and complexity.

Grape variety
100% gewurztraminer