Viniou Reviews
The 2020 Klipfel Vendanges Tardives is a captivating white wine from the renowned Alsace region in France. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this late harvest wine exhibits luscious sweetness balanced by a vibrant acidity, a hallmark of the Vendanges Tardives classification. While the specific grape variety is not stated, such wines from Alsace typically feature grapes like Riesling, Gewurztraminer, or Pinot Gris. The 2020 vintage benefited from a fairly warm year, allowing grapes to fully ripen, ideal for developing the concentrated flavours found in late harvest wines. Terroir in this region plays a pivotal role, with soils rich in mineral compositions that enhance the complexity and intensity of flavours.
Alsace, nestled between the Vosges mountains and the Rhine River, provides a unique climate for viticulture. The region experiences a semi-continental climate, offering hot summers and lengthy dry autumns which are crucial for concentrating sugars in late harvest grapes. The varied soil types—ranging from granite to limestone—add distinct mineral notes to the wines, contributing to their worldwide acclaim. This region has a storied winemaking history, with a clear influence from German traditions, given its geographic proximity and shared history, which endows its wines with a distinctive character.
Given its rich profile, the 2020 Klipfel Vendanges Tardives pairs wonderfully with rich dishes that can balance its sweetness. Foie gras is a classic Alsatian pairing that highlights the wine's unctuous textures. It also complements spicy Asian dishes, where the sweetness can mellow out the heat, or savoury cheese platters featuring blue cheese or Munster.
For an optimal tasting experience, serve this wine slightly chilled to allow its aromatic bouquet to fully bloom, ideally at a temperature between 8-10°C. Letting it breathe for a short period will also enhance its complex aromas and flavours, providing a memorable tasting journey.
