Alsace Gewurztraminer Sélection de Grains Nobles Kientzler 1989

Lot presentation

Alsace Gewurztraminer Sélection de Grains Nobles Kientzler 1989

The wine

Sélection de Grains Nobles means that the grapes in this wines were selected after having developed botrytis cinerea, also known as "noble rot". Situated conveniently near a number of Alsatian villages, including Kirchberg and Ribeauvillé, the Kientzler estate grows several grape varieties popular in the region, including Sylvaner, Riesling and, of course, Gewurztraminer. These are the berries which, once impacted by noble rot, are picked and harvested to produce this exceptional cuvée. These grapes, which are extremely concentrated in sugars, acids and aromas, undergo the same vinification process as sweet white wines. They produce an extremely dense, straw-yellow coloured wine. The highly concentrated bouquet reveals powerful honey and candied fruit flavours. The palate is rich and creamy, yet full of finesse. With an ageing potential of fifteen years, leaving this wine in the cellar will enhance its aromatic expression and soften the sugar content.

About the Producer Kientzler

Predominantly planted with Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Blanc, the vines of the Kientzler estate stretch on the slopes of the stunning village of Ribeauvillé. As you journey along the Alsace Wine Route, you’ll inevitably encounter the majestic 19th-century edifice that stands as a solid testament to the viticultural excellence of this operation.
Today, brothers Thierry and Eric, the fifth generation of the Kientzler family, manage the estate. Since 2009, having inherited the family expertise, they have been crafting dry white wines of exceptional aromatic purity, showcasing the minerality of their terroir. With slightly more than four hectares of Grand Cru, including 1.5 ha in the legendary Geisberg Cru – belonging to only four owners – the Kientzler family can draw on a geological wealth unrivalled in Europe. The estate promotes biodiversity through the planting of trees, flower beds and nesting boxes. The Kientzler estate received its Organic Certification in 2023.

Detailed characteristics