Domaine Albert Mann : Pinot Gris Grand cru "Hengst" Sélection de Grains Nobles 2018

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Pinot Gris Grand Cru "Hengst" Sélection de Grains Nobles 2018 from Domaine Albert Mann

Tasting

Appearance

The appearance displays a magnificent golden color with coppery highlights, testifying to the exceptional concentration of the botrytized grapes.

Nose

The nose reveals beautiful aromatic complexity with notes of ripe peach, characteristic of Pinot Gris, accompanied by floral scents of acacia. Aromas of honey, the signature of noble rot, mingle with touches of exotic fruits that enrich the bouquet.

Palate

On the palate, this wine reveals both power and finesse. The attack is rich and unctuous, supported by beautiful concentration. The mineral expression of the Hengst terroir brings tension and balance, preventing any heaviness. The acidic structure, preserved thanks to respectful vinification, maintains freshness and precision. The finish extends persistently, revealing all the complexity of the perfectly integrated botrytized character.

Food and wine pairing

This sweet wine pairs magnificently with foie gras, whether presented in a terrine or pan-seared. It also elegantly accompanies Asian cuisine dishes with subtle and slightly spicy sauces. For desserts, it elevates dark chocolate preparations, autumn fruit tarts like pear or Mirabelle plum, as well as caramel-based creations.

Serving and keeping

The Pinot Gris Grand Cru "Hengst" Sélection de Grains Nobles 2018 is best enjoyed at a temperature between 8 and 10°C. Aeration for half an hour after opening allows the wine to fully express its aromatic palette. Thanks to its concentration and its balance between residual sugars and acidity, this wine possesses remarkable aging potential and will evolve gracefully over several decades.

An exceptional sweet Pinot Gris from the Grand Cru Hengst in Alsace

The estate

Domaine Albert Mann, established in Wettolsheim near Colmar, is the result of the union of two winemaking families whose roots go back to the 17th century. The Barthelmé family, current owners, today manage this 25-hectare estate distributed over a hundred plots. Maurice and Jacky Barthelmé, supported by the new generation with Antoine and Pauline, perpetuate a viticulture of excellence. A pioneer of biodynamics in Alsace since 1997, the estate obtained Ecocert certification in 2000 and then Biodyvin. Recognized by the profession, it was elected Winemaker of the Year by La Revue du Vin de France in 2012 and awarded five stars by Bettane & Desseauve. The estate's philosophy rests on observation, respect for natural cycles, and minimalist vinification to reveal the authenticity of each terroir.

The vineyard

The Grand Cru Hengst, located mainly in the commune of Wintzenheim, extends over approximately 53 hectares between 270 and 360 meters in altitude. This terroir benefits from a southeast exposition ideal for grape maturation. The marl-limestone-sandstone soils, composed of Oligocene conglomerates and interstratified clays, contain about 14% active limestone in the form of pebbles and gravel. This stony structure ensures excellent heat retention, favoring aroma concentration. Pinot Gris finds in this limestone terroir the perfect conditions to develop complexity and density, while preserving a mineral expression that brings finesse and balance. Protected by the Vosges mountains to the west, the vineyard benefits from a continental climate with hot, dry summers, conducive to over-ripening and the development of noble rot.

The vintage

The 2018 vintage in Alsace was described as a "jewel" by Jacky Barthelmé, testifying to exceptional conditions for the production of high-quality wines. The prolonged autumn allowed the progressive development of botrytis cinerea on the berries, while the alternation of humidity and sunny periods favored sugar concentration. These ideal climatic conditions allowed the grapes to reach remarkable maturity while preserving the freshness necessary for the wine's balance.

Winemaking and aging

The production of the Pinot Gris Grand Cru "Hengst" Sélection de Grains Nobles 2018 begins with a meticulous manual harvest, carried out in several successive passes to select only the berries affected by noble rot. The grapes are delicately pressed using the traditional vertical method, preserving the integrity of the berries and avoiding the extraction of undesirable tannic compounds. Fermentation takes place exclusively with indigenous yeasts naturally present in the cellar and on the grapes. Temperatures are controlled to allow a natural stop of fermentation, thus preserving the residual sugars characteristic of this category of wine. No fining or filtration is performed.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Gris