The harvest opening dates were set for September 11 for AOC Crémant d’Alsace except for Riesling (September 18), September 25 for the still wines, except for Riesling and Gewurztraminer (September 27). As for the Vendanges Tardives and Sélections de Grains Nobles, the start date was set for October 11.
In 2006 the overall production amounted to 1,081,000 hl (with 857,748 hl fo AOC Alsace and Alsace Grand Cru and 223,942 hl for AOC Crémant d’Alsace).
The wines
In the end, Crémant d’Alsace, composed essentially of different Pinot varieties, was harvested as per usual at the beginning of the picking, so before the rains, and consequently promises to have elegant and well-structured wines.
In general the dry white wines have a great aromatic intensity and good acidity. Supple and thirst-quenching, they are to be consumed young. Pinot Noir has light and fruity red wines.
There are less Vendanges Tardives this year due to the storms, but nevertheless are very successful, notably with Gewurztraminer, maturing later, which took advantage of the beautiful October days.
CIVA: Interprofessional Committee of Alsace Wine
March 2007