2018 Domaine Allimant-Laugner Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Praelatenberg

The birthplace of the Traminer is in the Italian Tyrol (German speaking Italy) but then selections led to a spicier grape variety, "Gewurzt" in German and the place where the most beautiful Gewurztaminers come from is without a doubt Alsace (Alsace) to this grape variety shows itself at its best on the granite soils, highlighting its intense aromatic palette. Of course they are also grown in other areas and countries, but then the style often becomes too sweet and lacks the finesse and acidity that are so typical.

The Allimant-Laugner Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Praelatenberg is the top model and comes from the Praelatenberg grand cru vineyard. Vines have been cultivated here by the Benedictines since the early 9th century, hence the name "Hill of the Prelates", although its origins may be older, as evidenced by the presence of Roman monuments. The reason this vineyard has a grand cru status is because of the unique terroir. The Gneissic soil (gneiss) consists of granite rich in ferruginous elements (quartz, mica and feldspar) and the Allimant-Laugner plot is located on the northern part of the hill, facing due east, on a gentle slope offering a beautiful marriage of ferritic granite elements and clay, sparing the vine from summer droughts and therefore giving the perfect balance between the acidity and the sweetness. This cuvée was hand-harvested on October 4 with healthy, rich and concentrated small grapes, perfectly intended to bring out the charming and generous side of Gewurztraminer. This is reflected in a silky softness on the palate and a beautiful dance of spicy and floral aromas. The Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Praelatenberg is bright golden yellow in color. In the nose very expressive aromas of exotic fruit, quince, dried rose petals and honeysuckle. A finish that is full, powerful and very complex, accompanied by nervously fresh acidity.

This is a wine for lovers of a complex wine with sweet notes and is therefore a very taste-inducing aperitif and is of course the perfect accompaniment to spicy Asian dishes and strong cheeses such as a blue-veined cheese or long-ripened old cheese. Serve nice and cold.

ABOUT DOMAINE ALLIMANT-LAUGNER

The origins of Domaine Allimant-Laugner begin with 2 families who have cultivated the vineyards since the 17th century, the Laugners in the village of Dieffenthal and the Allimants in Saint-Hippolyte. In 1816 and after participating in all of Napoleon's campaigns, Captain François-Antoine Allimant buys more vines on the hills of Haut-Koenigsbourg and a beautiful 1664 farmhouse in the village of Orschwiller, the current property of the domain. Like most families, the Allimants still lived off multi-crop cultivation but chose to focus more on wine with Charles Allimant, who started bottling his wine in 1949 and developed their distribution with his daughter Mariette and her husband René Laugner . Their eldest son Hubert took over in 1984, gave the domain real fame together with his wife Françoise, and since 2013 with their son Nicolas. The family manages Domaine Allimant-Laugner as a beautiful heritage for more than 10 generations.

The privilege of having a product of this unique authentic terroir also gives a responsibility and so Domaine Allimant-Laugner works naturally with the utmost respect for the environment. All tasks are (pruning, plucking, maintenance) and also because the close contact with the vines makes it easier to understand what the needs are. In order to properly control the strength of the vines and to preserve the ecosystem, we mainly work with alternating plowed and grassy rows. Also in the cellar, modernity and tradition must be well balanced to produce precise and fine wines, but with a minimal human and environmental imprint. They work with a brand new pneumatic press and stainless steel tanks with temperature control and fermentation takes place only with natural yeasts. The basis is laid in the unique vineyards that have been managed by the family for 10 generations. Domaine Allimant-Laugner makes great wines with respect and modernity.

FACT: Read more under the Winery tab - here you will also find some photos and a video of this beautiful domain.