Lot presentation

Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Zinnkoepflé Domaine Materne Haegelin 1998

The wine

Fifty in number, Alsace's grands crus are a selection from the best vineyards, thus encouraging producers to try to extract the best from the best located terroirs. However, the classification is the subject of lively debate, as it excludes the monopoly vineyards (in particular the grandiose Clos Sainte Hune, Clos Windsbuhl and Clos des Capucins), and the famous Kaefferkopf vineyard in Ammerschwihr, often recognized as an authentic grand cru. To complicate matters, some of the appellation's best producers, such as Hugel and Trimbach, have refused to display the "Grand Cru" description on the label, despite the wine coming from Grand Cru classified vineyards. Probably Alsace's most well-known wine, Grand Cru Gewurztraminer is rich and well-structured. Its intense bouquet develops an amazing aromatic palette consisting mainly of exotic fruit (pineapple, banana, mango, kiwi), flowers and spices (the word "gewurz" means spicy). Gewurztraminer is undoubtedly Alsace's richest, most powerful wine. Rich and powerful (with an alcohol content of up to 14%), it can be slightly sweet, resulting in wines of exceptional longevity.