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Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives: An Exceptional Wine from Alsace
In late November, the Alsatian vineyards are almost dormant. We’re still waiting. We leave the Gewürztraminer grapes on the vines so they can concentrate naturally. The autumn cold dehydrates the berries, the sugars become more concentrated, and the aromas intensify. We’re taking a chance on the unpredictable weather
Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives is all about patience. At Bestheim, we conduct winemaking for this cuvée only in years when nature allows us to do so. It is a rare wine that requires time, meticulous care, and ideal conditions. Our 2018 vintage is a testament to this.
What is Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives?
A sweet wine made from overripe Gewurztraminer grapes. The Alsace AOC imposes strict rules: high natural sugar content and hand harvest. The result? A limited yield, to be sure, but powerful aromatic concentration, a rich texture, and a balance between sweetness and freshness. At Bestheim, we produce this cuvée only in years when nature allows it. Our 2018 Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives vintage meets all the criteria.
In summary, a late-harvest wine is characterized by:
- Late harvest (late October to November)
- Botrytized grapes (noble rot)
- Extreme aromatic intensity
- Rare production (not every year)
What does “Vendanges Tardives” mean?
Harvesting late, by choice. After everyone else. The grapes remain on the vine to concentrate their sugars and aromas. Autumn does its work: the cold of the night and the sun during the day dehydrate the berries. This is natural drying. This designation has been regulated by the AOC Alsace since 1984. It guarantees a minimum level of ripeness and prohibits any chaptalization. No added sugar. Just patience and the risk of unpredictable weather.
Vendanges Tardives or Sélection de Grains Nobles—what’s the difference?
Two designations, two levels of concentration:
Vendanges Tardives (VT):
- Natural overripening through sun-drying
- Botrytis is possible but not required
- Hand-harvested, whole clusters
- Only in certain years
Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN):
- Botrytis cinerea required (noble rot)
- Sorted berry by berry
- Extremely rare production (about once a decade)
- Maximum concentration
At Bestheim, we offer a 2018 Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives and a 2017 Sélection de Grains Nobles for exceptional vintages.
How are Bestheim’s Vendanges Tardives made?
Patience, observation, and making the right decision at the right time. Our Vendanges Tardives begin in the vineyards in the fall and continue in the cellar with a slow winemaking process.
The harvest (a carefully controlled delay): Late October, early November. We monitor the grapes’ ripeness. When the concentration is optimal, we perform a hand harvest on the ripest clusters. In some years, Botrytis cinerea makes an appearance. Other times, natural drying does the job. Yields are low, yet the grapes arrive in the cellar with exceptional natural richness.
Noble rot: What is it? Botrytis cinerea. A fungus that perforates the grape skin and causes dehydration. The water evaporates, concentrating the sugars and aromas. The result is shriveled, almost candied berries. It is not a requirement for Vendanges Tardives, but when present, it elevates the wine’s character.
Winemaking: Slow pressing. Long fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The yeasts work in a high-sugar environment and stop naturally. Ageing on fine lees for 6 to 9 months. No malolactic fermentation. We want to preserve the Gewürztraminer’s liveliness. Bottled after 12 to 18 months.
Characteristics of the Gewürztraminer Vendanges Tardives
Appearance: An intense golden color with amber highlights and a pronounced brilliance. Thick tears flow slowly down the sides of the glass, a sign of richness and concentration.
On the Nose: An explosion of candied lychee, mango, and ripe exotic fruits. Notes of rose and wilted flower petals. Acacia honey, dried fruits, and mild spices (ginger, cardamom). A powerful aromatic intensity that leaves no doubt as to the wine’s richness.
On the palate: A rich and velvety attack, with a concentrated, almost syrupy texture. The sweetness remains balanced by a lively presence. A long finish with intense aromatic persistence that prolongs the pleasure.
How should you enjoy a Gewürztraminer Vendanges Tardives?
Serving temperature: 8 to 10°C. This allows you to appreciate its rich aromas. Glass: A white wine glass with a wide tulip shape. The nose should be able to fully express itself.
Best time to enjoy: At the end of a meal with dessert, or as an aperitif paired with foie gras—a rare wine for an exceptional moment to share with good company.
Ageing potential of a Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives?
A Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives can be cellared for 10 years or more! Its natural acidity and sugar concentration help preserve the wine. Over time, the aromas evolve toward honey, candied fruit, and sweet spices. Our 2018 vintage can be enjoyed now or cellared until 2028 and beyond. Store the bottle on its side to prevent premature oxidation.
Food and Wine Pairings with Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives
Which cheeses pair well with Gewurztraminer? Blue-veined cheeses such as Roquefort, Fourme d’Ambert, and Bleu d’Auvergne. The wine’s intensity holds its own against the cheese’s character. Matured Munster is also a good match. The wine’s sweetness balances the saltiness.
Desserts: Tarte Tatin, crème brûlée, dark chocolate fondant. Avoid overly sweet desserts that overwhelm the wine. Opt for fruit-based desserts (pear, apple, apricot) or those made with dark chocolate.
Types of dishes: Pan-seared or semi-cured foie gras. Spicy Asian cuisine (Thai, Indian). Tagine with dried fruits. Duck breast with figs. The wine’s richness pairs well with rich or spicy dishes.
Find Your Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives
Our 2018 Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives vintage is available directly from our online store. Limited production; shipping available in France and internationally.
Discover our full range of Gewurztraminers as well, from Chasseurs de Lune and Rayon de Lune to the Grand Crus Mambourg and Zinnkoepflé. With such a wide variety of profiles, choosing can be tricky: a dedicated guide is available to help you select your next Gewurztraminer.
What’s the difference between “Vendanges Tardives” and “Vieilles Vignes”?
They are two completely different things. “Vendanges Tardives” refers to a harvest of overripe grapes that produces a sweet wine. “Vieilles Vignes” indicates the age of the vines (generally 30 years or older), which can contribute to concentration and complexity, but says nothing about the wine’s style.
