Sporen 2011 Gewürztraminer – Domaine Trapet Alsace.

Gewürztraminer is one of the key varieties in France’s Alsace region. In this review the Sporen 2011 Gewürztraminer, a Grand Cru white produced by Domaine Trapet. Most of you will know this domaine from its excellent Pinot Noir’s, produced in Gevrey-Chambertin (Cote de Nuits) but they also have a holding in the Alsace.

The Winery 

As mentioned todays wine is from the Alsatian holding of the Trapet domaine. Jean-Louis Trapet and his wife Andrée decided to take over Andrée’s family’s vineyards in Alsace in 2002, applying the same biodynamic disciplines as they exercise in Burgundy. 

From the 2 hectares they took over they have expanded to 14 hectares, including 4 Grand Cru vineyards (Sonnenglanz, Sporen, Schlossberg and Schoenenbourg). They winery is based in Riquewihr, but also hold parcels in Kientzheim and Beblenheim.

The Vineyard 

Sporen, classified as Grand Cru vineyard. At 275 meters altitude Sporen forms a natural cirque with gentle slopes facing south-east. The soil is made up of clay-marl, decalcified on the surface. Its deep soils protect against drought in years of low rainfall, allowing the vine roots to explore the soil and extract all the trace elements which contribute to the complexity of its wines. Covering 23,70 hectares Sporen is principally planted with Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris and some Riesling.

The Wine

This 2011 Sporen displays all the richness, body and structure you can expect from a great Alsatian Gewürztraminer. Most people have a love-hate-relationship with this variety, as it can be so expressive, but especially when paired with the Asian cuisine this wine can create a lasting impression.

The wine shows a vibrant yellow colour, with green hints. The nose is explosive, with a wide array of fruit and floral notes. This is the kind of wine that stands out in a blind tasting. Most notable? Lychee, apricot and honey. But this list could be so much longer.

On the palette a wine with a sweet note (off-dry), but also freshness and delicateness. The wine has an oily structure with high viscosity and some fatness around the edges. Incredibly long and succulent aftertaste, displaying excellent quality. 

Although 2011 this wine still has loads to develop, and has a great life ahead. Works perfect when paired with spicy food, but can also act as a nice dessert wine.

Price:                          ~ €35

Taste date:                  September 2022

Score:                           94/100 DWA Score

Website:                      Domaine Trapet