Some memorable vintage years
- 1959: a dry year as after a big rainfall on July 11, it didn’t rain again until October. Very good quality. Very good quality.
- 1966: hail storm at midnight at Fête-Dieu, flooded cellars. Great harvest with good quality.
- 1979: very good year from both a quality and quantity standpoint.
- 1986: lots of snow during the winter reaching the first wires in the vineyard. Numerous parcels were only harvested in November for overripe grapes intended for the prestigious Vendanges Tardives and Sélections de Grains Nobles.
- 1997: early harvest, all the grape varieties have record ripening-levels and great sugar/acid balances. A historic vintage year.
- 2003: with a scorching summer, this vintage years will remain in the annals of the Vins d’Alsace. The last time there were such comparable weather conditions dates back to 1540!
In the cellar
It’s a great Grand Cru which opens-up fairly quickly.
The matter-specific integrity encourages an early combination (noticeable as of three to four years of ageing) of the aromatic expression of the grape varieties and the terroir sparkle.
During early-ripening vintage years: the wine matter is slightly more intense during these years as Brand reacts rapidly to temperature change. Notes of aromatic herbs or dry herbal teas are detectable, completed by candied citrus fruits (for example lemon) in the Riesling, and a grilled character (like almonds) in Pinot and Gewurztraminer wines.
During late-ripening vintage years: the acidity is more discernible, ample and straightforward. Hints of citrus fruit flesh or fresh white fruits are released from the wines which have a refreshing, almost mentholated finish (Muscat). A great mineral intensity deeply settles in with a pleasant finish.
Romain ILTIS