2007

2007 VINTAGE

After a very cold winter and a summer-like spring (exceptional heat caused a very early bud burst), flowering began as early as May 25th! The months of June, July and August were marked by heavy rains and rather cool periods.

The mixed weather conditions undid much of the early progress the vines had made in the spring. Fortunately, atmospheric conditions allowed for a slow maturation which preserved the fresh fruitiness of the grapes, and which was ideal for all grape varieties.

Average temperature: 53°F

Rain accumulation: 20 inches

HARVEST

The harvest started when conditions were optimal for the AOC Crémant d’Alsace.

Winemakers began by harvesting the most premature grapes. Alsace then experienced exceptional anticyclonic conditions in the month of September: warm days and cool nights combined with near-zero rainfall provided optimum conditions for grape-ripening. Wine growers then carefully yet hastily harvested the grapes at perfect maturity, once they’d reached a state of optimal health. This year’s harvest was truly customized: we adapted with each day. Quality and quantity were both in our favor.

The opening dates of the grape harvests were the following:

AOC Crémant d’Alsace: August 22 (except for Riesling and Chardonnay: August 27)

Still wines: September 5 (except for Riesling and Gewurztraminer: September 10).

Late Harvest and Selection de Grains Nobles: opening on September 19.

Analytical data for Gewurztraminer Selection de Grains Nobles 2007:

• Alcohol: 12.21% vol
• Residual sugar: 128 g / L
• Total acidity: 3.50 g / L H2SO4
• Temperature FA: 16° C then 18° C at the end of FA
• Pressing: Pneumatic pressing of about 3 hours for whole grapes
• Maturing: on fine lees until spring