Rolly Gassman Riesling de Rorschwihr 'Cuvée Yves' Vendages Tardives 2010

Rorschwihr is one of Alsace’s most distinctive terroirs, and the Gassmann family has farmed its vineyards for generations, with a particular understanding of the village’s complex geology. Cuvée Yves comes from limestone-rich parcels around Rorschwihr, where the combination of calcareous soils, marl and a relatively cool microclimate helps Riesling retain remarkable acidity even when harvested late. Picked as Vendanges Tardives, the 2010 vintage offered the concentration needed for a wine capable of extraordinary longevity. After more than a decade in bottle, the wine has developed a depth and complexity impossible to find in a young VT.

Made from late-harvest Riesling, the grapes are picked by hand at high ripeness before a slow fermentation, with the wine traditionally allowed to retain a natural level of residual sugar balanced by the variety’s acidity. The long maturation in bottle has transformed its profile: ripe citrus and stone fruit have evolved towards marmalade, preserved lemon, honeycomb, dried herbs and subtle saffron, while the palate remains remarkably energetic rather than heavy. Rich, concentrated and beautifully integrated, the 2010 combines the lusciousness expected from Vendanges Tardives with the precision and savoury complexity of mature Riesling.