2005 vintage of hope, of revival

The year begins with a beautiful winter remembering us our youth, with much snow in the mountains and strong frost to -10°C at the end of january and february. The snow and the frost allow to slowly re-humidify the soils and they improve their structure.
 
The sprouting (budding) is very regular and occurs on 20th april, according to our average date. Spring alternates fresh and almost scorching periods. The flowering last form 6th and 18th june. The summer is fresh and cloudy, but the temperatures that are low for the season allow to preserve a very good degree of acidity, which is an interesting factor that contributes to the harmony and the ageing potential of the wines. It really begins on 28th August with a spectacular progression of the grapes' maturity. Thanks to september, one of the most beautiful Indian summers, the sanitary state of the leaves and of the grapes stays perfect and allows a regular nourishment of the grape, the guarantee for a complete maturation.
 
The harvest of the Crémant coincides with the start of our grape-gathering on 14th september. We continue on the 19th with the Pinot and we gather the grapes continuously until 19th october with just one little interruption in the first week of october. If we want to remember one figure in order to explain you the late autumn with its fresh nights, fog and sun, we should retain the following one : out of 21 lunches during the grape-gathering period, 20 could be shared in the vineyards with the grape-pickers in a good atmosphere and nice weather. And how is this vintage in the cellar?

ALTENBOURG

On this great soil for liqueur wine, memorable "Vendanges Tardives" of Muscat, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer, thanks to perfect climatic conditions. Small classification of Riesling in "Grains Nobles".

FURSTENTUM

Early harvest on this always late soil.
Classic Riesling.
The Pinot Gris are in the process of maturing in barrels.
Beautiful homogeneity of the Gewurztraminer and 2 classifications in "Grains Nobles", realized on 18th and 27th october, complete the range of wines.

CLOS DE LA FAILLE

Produced by a monopoly of 1 hectares, it is to 100% planted with Pinot Noir. This chalky sandstone soil, rich in iron oxyde and perfectly draining, offers ideal conditions for this variety.