Rolly Gassmann Riesling (750ml)
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Wine Type
White Wine
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Size
750ml
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Vintage
2019
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Country
France
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Region
Alsace
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Sub-Region
Alsace
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Grape
Riesling
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Farming Method
BiodynamicAll of our products that are tagged with the term Biodynamic are either biodynamic certified or biodynamic practicing. Learn More
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ABV
13.5%
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Food Pairing
CharcuterieSpicy Foods
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Vegan Friendly
Yes
The Gassmann family has been making wine in the village of Rorschwihr since 1661. The current domaine name dates to the 1967 marriage of Marie-Therese Rolly and Louis Gassmann. Today the estate is largely managed by their son Pierre Gassmann. With 126 acres under vine and vast cellars extending six stories deep under their hillside and capable of holding a million bottles of wine, Domaine Rolly-Gassman makes some of the most compelling wines in Alsace. In 1997 they added a biodynamic philosophy to their traditional ongoing approach of minimal interference with the vines. Pierre has an in-depth knowledge of estate’s terroir (a complex mosaic of limestone and marls), focuses on low yields and rigorously selects grapes.
Each plot is vinified separately using a very slow fermentation with wild natural yeasts. Fermentations generally stop in winter in their cool, deep cellars, leaving significant residual sweetness in many of the wines. The result is lush and balanced style and a certain velvety sweetness that characterizes the wines. It is only as wines are tasted and deemed appropriately aged that the wines are released to the market, sometimes as many as 20 years after bottling. Pierre Gassmann insists on late harvesting and lengthy cellaring after bottling, creating luscious yet balanced styles.
Tasting Notes
Lush and ripe notes of pear, honeydew melon and spice combine for an extremely aromatic wine. The aromatics carry over to the flavours on the palate, creating a lush wine with a full mouth feel and slight spice in the finish. Slightly off dry in style, yet the defined acidity creates a lovely balance. This is a wine that impresses in every glass. Will continue to develop over the next 6 years.
Method
Once in the winery, the Riesling is wild yeast fermented in stainless steel tanks with and undergoes short lees contact. The Gassmann’s focus on late harvesting and extended ageing periods before bottling, resulting in wines of texture, balance and character. Their products are characterised by higher residual sugar contents and are well suited to drinking with food
Our Thoughts
This is a gorgeous wine from a highly respected biodynamic producer in Alsace, France. This Riesling is made in a decidedly off-dry style which is not typical for Alsace, where dry Rieslings are the norm. The husband and wife duo at Rolly Gassmann are known for producing wines with a signature velvety sweetness. Don’t let that scare you away — the residual sugar in this wine is well-balanced by high acidity, great fruit concentration, medium alcohol, full body and a very long, satisfying finish. This is a high impact wine with pronounced aromas and flavours of apricot, pear, exotic florals and honey. Liquid gold! -Maureen O’Neill
The Whinery (Yarmouth) (verified owner)
Vintage Alsatian beauty! Rich and complex w/ hints of honeycomb and apricot.
Just delicious with spicy Thai. Drink now or hold.
The Whinery (Middleton) (verified owner)
Enjoyed with a roasted pork meal. Slight mustiness on the nose, beautiful golden colour, full pear on the palette with undertones of melon. Low acidity, but high alcohol holds up to heavier meal. Would pair well with Asian foods.