Whisky Alsace Grand Cru Rolly Gassmann - 2016

Viniou Reviews

The 2016 Rolly Gassmann Alsace Grand Cru is a distinguished white wine, renowned for its rich aromatic profile and balance. While the wine's label does not specify the grape variety or blend, Alsace is famed for its noble varietals such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Gris. This particular bottle, being "demi-sec," suggests a slightly sweet profile, likely with residual sugar to balanced acidity. The 2016 vintage experienced a warm and relatively dry growing season, resulting in grapes with concentrated flavours and mature phenolic profiles.

Alsace is a unique wine region located in the northeast of France, bordered by Germany and the Vosges mountains. This geographical location blesses the region with a semi-continental climate characterised by hot, dry summers and cold winters, which is perfect for producing aromatic white wines. The Grand Cru designation indicates the vineyard's exceptional terroir, composed primarily of steep slopes with diverse soil types like limestone, marl, and sandstone, each contributing nuances to the wine’s character.

Pairing this wine involves considering its aromatic intensity and sweetness. Exotic and spicy dishes are excellent accompaniments, such as a Thai green curry with prawns or a Moroccan tagine with apricots and almonds. Traditional Alsace cuisine like foie gras or tarte flambée with caramelised onions can emphasise the wine's fragrant qualities.

To fully appreciate this Alsace Grand Cru, serve it chilled but not overly so, to allow the bouquet to open gradually. A temperature between 10-12°C is optimal. This will highlight the wine's aromatic complexities while maintaining its refreshing acidity. Allow the wine to breathe for a few minutes in the glass to let its full character emerge, revealing slivers of its terroir and vintage charm.