Structure

Bodyfull
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdessert
Finishlong
Oaklarge or old casks

Drinking window

Best 10 to 50 years from vintage.
vintage10 yrs50 yrs52 yrs

Critic scores

No critic score is published for this bottle that we can cite with a reviewer, a vintage and a review year, so none is shown. The rating in the header is our own.

In the glass

Full-bodiedHigh acidityDessertLong finish

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.

  1. Open and pour. Open and pour directly. No decanting required for this style.
  2. Serve at 8-12°C. Cellar temperature (8-12°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
  3. Glassware. Use a small dessert-wine glass (3-5oz pour): the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
  4. 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.

  1. 1989: First Quintessence SGN bottling at Weinbach
  2. 2003: Heat-vintage Quintessence becomes a benchmark of Alsace SGN

Facts

Producer
Domaine Weinbach · visiting guide
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.

Tags

biodynamic biodynamic certified cellar worthy dessert dessert noble rot full body high acid iconic mood contemplative mood elegant occasion celebration occasion cellar occasion special old world pairs with blue cheese pairs with creme brulee pairs with foie gras pairs with fruit desserts pinot gris price luxury

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