In the glass
What it pairs with
-
Foie gras au torchon
Honeyed unctuousness against the duck-liver classic. -
Roquefort
Sweet wine balances the salty blue. -
Tarte aux mirabelles
Yellow plum tart with the wine's saffron honey.
How to serve Weinbach Altenbourg Pinot Gris Quintessence SGN
Allow 5 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and pour. Open and pour directly. No decanting required for this style.
- Serve at 8-12°C. Cellar temperature (8-12°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a small dessert-wine glass (3-5oz pour) — the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Foie gras au torchon, Roquefort, Tarte aux mirabelles. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Quintessence is Weinbach's top SGN designation, made from a strict selection of fully botrytised berries. The Altenbourg Pinot Gris Quintessence is produced only in exceptional vintages.
- 1989 — First Quintessence SGN bottling at Weinbach
- 2003 — Heat-vintage Quintessence becomes a benchmark of Alsace SGN
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine Weinbach
- Grapes
- Pinot Gris (100%)
- Classification
- Alsace AOC Selection de Grains Nobles
- Oak
- Old foudre; long lees ageing
- ABV
- 12.5%
- Price
- EUR 200 to 400 at retail
- Drinking window
- 10-50 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1989
- Biodynamic
- Demeter Certified
Frequently asked about Weinbach Altenbourg Pinot Gris Quintessence SGN
What does Weinbach Altenbourg Pinot Gris Quintessence SGN taste like?
Structurally full-bodied, high acidity with a long finish. Weinbach's noble-rot Pinot Gris from the Altenbourg lieu-dit. Honeycomb, candied apricot and saffron honey; a multi-decade dessert wine made only in exceptional vintages.
When should I drink Weinbach Altenbourg Pinot Gris Quintessence SGN?
Drink 10-50 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Weinbach Altenbourg Pinot Gris Quintessence SGN?
Foie gras au torchon is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Roquefort and Tarte aux mirabelles. Honeyed unctuousness against the duck-liver classic.
What grapes are in Weinbach Altenbourg Pinot Gris Quintessence SGN?
The blend is Pinot Gris (100%). The wine is classified as Alsace AOC Selection de Grains Nobles.