Viniou Reviews
Domaine S Schlumberger's 2018 Cuvée Christine Vendanges Tardives is a white wine of great character, expressing the distinctive charm of Alsatian late harvest wines. While the precise grape variety in this cuvée is not specified, Vendanges Tardives from Alsace are typically crafted from noble varieties such as Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris, or Muscat. In 2018, a warm summer followed by a mild autumn allowed for exceptional maturation, with the grapes being harvested late to achieve concentrated sugars and complex aromatic profiles. This late-harvest approach ensures a luscious, moelleux sweet wine, notable for its richness, opulent fruit, and alluring aromas of candied citrus, honeyed apricot, and exotic spices that are beautifully balanced by freshness and subtle acidity.
Alsace, nestled along France’s eastern border with Germany, is renowned for its distinct terroir. The region’s vineyards benefit from a continental climate, characterized by warm, sunny days and cool nights—a result of the Vosges Mountains’ rain shadow effect. This unique microclimate promotes slow, even grape ripening, which is key for expressive aromatic whites. The soils range from granite to limestone and clay, lending both structure and minerality to the wines. With a rich history of winemaking that interweaves French and Germanic influences, Alsace is lauded for both its technical precision and its respect of tradition, producing some of the finest white wines in the world.
Vendanges Tardives wines like this are beautifully suited to foie gras, a classic Alsatian match that sees their sweetness temper the dish’s richness. They also pair wonderfully with blue cheeses such as Roquefort, creamy desserts with fruit, or exotic Asian dishes that use aromatic spices—particularly if a touch of sweetness helps balance heat. For a perfect regional pairing, consider serving it with Munster cheese, or as a superb finish to a meal accompanied by fruit tarts or poached pears.
For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine slightly chilled, at 8-10°C. Decanting is not essential, but allowing the wine a little time in the glass will help its complex aromatics to unfold. Enjoy its generous palate and, if cellared correctly, know this vintage has the potential to evolve gracefully for many years.
