Rolly Gassmann Oberer Weingarten de Rorschwihr: A Gewurztraminer Masterpiece

A Legacy of Excellence: Domaine Rolly Gassmann

Rooted in the picturesque village of Rorschwihr in Central Alsace, Domaine Rolly Gassmann stands as a paragon of traditional winemaking excellence. The estate, comprising approximately 51 hectares across prestigious sites, traces its venerable heritage back to 1611. Presently under the stewardship of Pierre Gassmann, the domaine continues to uphold its legacy through meticulous, sustainable viticultural practices. The marriage of superior terroir with an unwavering commitment to quality results in wines that captivate the senses and honor the land.

Terroir: Oberer Weingarten de Rorschwihr

Oberer Weingarten is among Rorschwihr’s most esteemed vineyard sites, renowned for its ancient geological diversity that offers fertile ground for Gewurztraminer. This vineyard’s soil is a complex tapestry of limestone, Triassic Vosges sandstone, and marine marls, facilitating a symbiotic relationship between the grape variety and its environment. It is the unique microclimate here that encourages the development of Botrytis cinerea, the noble rot that incites a metamorphosis in the grapes, enriching their profile with complex layers of sweetness and acidity.

Celebrated Gewurztraminer

This Gewurztraminer epitomizes Alsace’s sweet wine potential. Known for its aromatic intensity, the grape showcases an alluring bouquet of lychee, rose petals, and a whisper of exotic spices such as ginger and cinnamon. The cool Alsatian climate extends the growing season, allowing these aromatic compounds to concentrate while preserving the grape’s natural acidity.

Craftsmanship and Aging

The making of this Sélection de Grains Nobles is a labor of love. Harvesting is done by hand, with a rigorous selection process to ensure only the finest, botrytized berries make it to the press. The intense natural sweetness from the botrytized grapes undergoes a slow, patient fermentation with native yeasts that lingers for four to six months, respecting the wine’s terroir expression.

Aged for a minimum of eleven months before bottling, these wines further develop within the cellars over many years, often exceeding six years. This patient aging unfurls a depth of flavor and balance, marrying sweetness with acidity in silken harmony, producing a wine that is as luscious as it is refreshingly vibrant.

Rich Sweetness and Balanced Acidity

The sensory experience of Rolly Gassmann Oberer Weingarten de Rorschwihr Gewurztraminer Sélection de Grains Nobles is profound. A radiant golden hue gives way to a bouquet steeped in honey, lychee, spices, and citrus marmalade. The palate is enveloped by a luscious, creamy texture that dances elegantly on the taste buds, embodying layers of candied citrus, apricot, and the nuanced interplay of spicy saffron threads.

Despite its rich sweetness, the vibrant acidity ensures this wine never tips into overload, maintaining a refreshing profile that invites sip after sip. Its complex finish is prolonged, leaving lingering notes of honey and marmalade.

Perfect Pairings and Service

This wine transforms simple moments into extraordinary experiences. Enjoy it as a contemplative sip on its own, or pair it alongside foie gras, pungent blue cheeses, or desserts featuring stone fruits and tropical notes for a gastronomic delight. Serve slightly chilled and watch as it captivates with its aromatic profile.