2008, vintage for ageing

2008 is a year in which the life cycle of the vines returned to normality. Bud burst took place at the end of April. Unusually high temperatures in May, including at night, led to an acceleration of the vine’s vegetative cycle.
First preventive treatments against odium and mildew took place on May 14^th in the early-ripening  vineyards in the Hardt Region around Colmar. By May 20^th, all parcels had had their first treatment.
A localised thunderstorm centred upon Kientzheim on May 30 and brought 60 mm (2.36 inches) of rain two times geater than that wich fell in Wettolsheim 15 km (9 miles) southward.
 
We had to maintain a high level of awareness in early June due to a high risk of mildew caused by large quantities of rain.  Flowering was irregular and extended over an unusually long period from 2nd to 21st June across all the parcels. We observed poor fruit set amongst the Muscat as well as shot berry formation and small grapes amongst some Riesling and Gewurtztraminer.
July consisted of alternating mild and muggy weather conditions with veraison (the transition from berry growth to berry ripening) beginning at the end of the month.
We experienced similar weather conditions in August, including 97 mm (3.82 in) of rainfall until the last few days of fine and sunny weather which was favourable to grape maturation.  Temperatures were not blistering like they were in 2003, and have thus been ideal for vineyards not affected by hydric stress.
Our estate began the 2008 harvest on 15th September with the Crémant, as is done in all Alsace.  On 17th and 18th September, we harvested the Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois on the plain.  From 24th September onwards, the harvest period continued to enjoy excellent weather conditions, warm, sunny days and fresh nights.
In October, we continued to harvest regularly until the 27th.  The first grand cru grapes were harvested on 13th October. This long harvest period is the result of the extended budburst experienced in spring.
Harvesting concluded in November with 3 days of late harvest and 'sélection de grains nobles' grapes.  This long harvest period also enabled us to take maximum advantage of the optimal weather conditions.
The 2008 vintage is similar to 1998 and 2002. We detect a certain tension in the wines with plenty of sap and minerality.
Pinot Gris is the most successful variety of 2008, thanks to good, clean, conditions.  The Pinot Gris wines are fruity, smokey ad well-balanced.

Olivier Poussier (Best Sommelier in the World, 2000) made the following comments in the Revue du Vin de France, Special edition 2008, published in June 2009 :
Pinot Gris Hengst GC 2008, a vintage highlight, “Exquisite nose with a bouquet of developing dried fruit. Not heavy at all, it is rich on the palate whilst maintaining a fine structure.  A lovely Pinot Gris a pretty and extended finish.”
Pinot Gris Furstentum GC 2008, “This wine is absolutely charming thanks to its beautiful nose, emphasized by smokey and mineral notes. With a fine density, the palate offers a well-balanced structure.  Residual sugar is perfectly managed with a very dynamic touch on the finish.”

Old parcels planted with a selection of the most robust vines, as well as grands crus, are the greatest rewards of the 2008 vintage, thanks to a perfect yield management.

And on that final note, remember that the real truth is always to be found in the bottle…
                                                                                            

Domaine Albert Mann
June 2009