Alsace: Engelheim is the site of one of Charlemagne's castles from which he governed the Franks. By the year 800 there were already over 100 wine villages in Alsace. Today Engelheim appears to be a sleepy town, surrounded by vine-covered hillsides of the Vosges that produce these exceptional Alsatian wines.  It is the limestone/clay soil that is responsible for the quality of Alsatian wines. It is the character of Alsace that is responsible for the robust nature of its wines.

Alsatian Wines stand out among whites - they represent dry wines that are powerful, bold and dramatic because they are made according to a simple philosophy: a wine should be the purest possible expression of  a grape varietal and the soil in which it was grown.  Alsatian wines are sought after for their unusual combination of lively acidity, dryness, and unhampered, uninhibited, unleashed fruit - making them fabulous partners for food.

Cepage:  Gewurztraminer

About the Producer: Julien Schaal is an exceptional winemaker - well known in South Africa as well as in France -for his mastery of the winemaking craft.

Tasting Notes:  This wine bears luscious floral and cirtrus aromas characteristic of Gerwurztraminer with a full bodied palate. A pure, clear, bewitching bouquet, and a spellbinding, refined yet subtle floral expression that makes it simply irresistible. On the palate, it is soft, supple and velvety, combined with a freshness and frivolity that enable it to culminate in a supremely perfumed and aromatic finish.

Recommended Food Pairings: A broad range of foods pair well with Gewurztraminer including turkey, Asian and Indian cuisine, and seafood.