Alsace Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Sonnenglanz Domaine Trapet 2013

Located in Riquewihr, Domaine Trapet incarnates Andrée Trapet’s Alsatian roots and Jean-Louis’ Burgundian knowledge. Taken over by Andrée in the early 2000s, the 14 hectares include four grand crus: Sonnenglanz, Schoenenbourg, Sporen and Schlossberg, as well as plots around Beblenheim, Zellenberg and Hunawihr. Like in Burgundy, the vines are looked after using biodynamic practices with Demeter and Biodyvin certification. Since 2021, the plots of vines have been staked. Pierre and Louis Trapet create elegant, fine wines that were carefully vinified sometimes using maceration techniques and long ageing. A distinctive expression of the Alsace wine landscape, the wines are precise, flavourful and deeply rooted in the terroirs from which they come.
Pierre joined the team in 2017, followed by Louis in 2018, bringing with them new energy and a taste of experimentation. The vines, which are now staked, benefit from attentive work in the vineyard and a respectful approach the natural balance found there. In the winery, the family adapts their work and ageing time to each terroir, with a particular penchant for macerated wine. The Trapet style charms with its elegant, precise and deep wines, where the freshness, finesse and minerality of Alsace’s great terroirs shine brightly.

The Sonnenglanz parcel, not far from the Beblenheim commune, has always been reserved for the production of fine wines from Alsace’s most noble varieties. South-easterly exposure, 250 metres of altitude, and a low level of rain create exceptional conditions for growing Gewurztraminer. The soil, well-structured and pebbly, is made up of chalk and marl. Production is limited to around 1,000 bottles due to the limited surface area. The vines are grown biodynamically and the grapes are greatly cared for during the manual harvest. The juice is fermented and matured in stainless steel vats to preserve the fragrance of this expressive variety. It has a very concentrated nose that is at once ripe and delicate, features then found on the palate. Its balance of acidity and alcohol is perfect. The result is very well-made and shows the Alsace slopes in the very best light. It can be kept for around 15 years in the cellar.