Pierre Sparr

Alsace, France

Pinot Gris, Mambourg, AOC Alsace Grand Cru – 2015

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  • Introduction

    • Mount Sigolsheim, northwest of Colmar, was the high ground fought for in the battle of the “Colmar Pocket,” January 20 to February 9, 1945. On the summit is the French military necropolis commemorating this historic battle for one of the last regions occupied by German infantry. It took American and French forces three weeks in frigid temperatures to dislodge the German bridgehead. On the south-facing slope of this hill is the celebrated Grand Cru Mambourg. Records show that as early as the year 783, elegant wines of the present-day Mambourg were famous. The vineyard (61.85 hectares / 152.83 acres) enjoys optimum sunshine and scant rainfall. The soil here is lime-magnesium over calcareous and marl conglomerates that formed during the Tertiary period, 65 million to 1.6 million years ago.

  • Vineyard Profile

    • Appellation: AOC Alsace Grand Cru
    • Location: Vosges foothill northeast of village of Sigolsheim; southern exposure
    • Viticulture: No irrigation; trellised vines; hand-harvesting
    • Size: 0.88 hectares (2.17 acres)
    • Vine Age: 35 years
    • Soil: Lime-magnesium over calcareous and marl conglomerates
  • Vintage Report

    • Dates for the beginning of harvest for each AOC are set by decree, generally 100 days after the median date of flowering, at the time when the grapes display the best sugar-to-acid ratio. The 2015 harvest took place under the best possible conditions.

    • Harvest Date(s): End of September
    • Yields: 50 hectoliters per hectare (3.7 tons per acre)
  • Vinification

    • Traditional, temperature-controlled fermentation, no malolactic

    • Aging: Stainless-steel tanks, wine on fine lees for 8 to 10 months
  • Technical Information

    • Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Gris
    • Alcohol: 13%
    • TA: 4.0 g/L
    • RS: 24 g/L
  • Tasting Notes

    • This elegant and fruity wine shows gleaming golden yellow, with aromas of ripe quince, hazelnuts and flint, which increase with aeration. On the palate, a structured, dynamic body dances with the fine fruit acid; a delicate sweetness — Alsace Grand Cru wines have a higher minimum sugar content than basic Alsace wines — balances the acidity on the long finish.

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Reviews

  • Pierre Sparr Pinot Gris, Mambourg, AOC Alsace Grand Cru – 2015 – Wine Enthusiast – 92 Points

    Ripe notions of juicy pear and hay flowers have a lovely zesty edge on the nose. The palate confirms this with concentrated counterpoints of honeyed fruit and bright citrus zestiness. This is full on and rich, and a touch of residual sweetness gives this extra heft and conviction. It is the citrus freshness that provides structure and direction. The finish is merely off dry, so this will shine alongside various dishes. Drink 2017–2025.

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