Restricted to four noble grape varieties, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat, these rare wines are subject to France's most stringent wine laws.Vendanges tardives wines are picked last of ail, and only from the choicest plots in the greatest years, the grapes are always over-ripe and often affected by noble rot.Unlike most other Alsace wines, they contain residual sugar which gives high viscosity and a honeyed quality. However their great richness is balanced by fresh fruity acidity which not only confers exceptional length on the palate but also prevents the wines read more...from being cloying. These wines are delightful alone or as aperitif, but they also have their place with foie gras, rich cuisine, or desserts.Selection de Grains Nobles wines are even richer and rarer than Vendange Tardive ones. They are only harvested under ideal climatic conditions, the botrytized grapes literally being picked one by one. These rare nectars have an unfivalied aromatic intensity and can improve for decade after decade.    (hide)

Rating: 83/100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator on 09/15/98.

Rating for France-Alsace: 90 (slightly better than average year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: drink now<br/>