Consumers are usually divided into those who prefer dry wine and the one who love sweetest one. But wines from grapes harvested late, just like Ice Wine, usually leave no one indifferent. Otherwise, would that be possible? Whatever, producer considers as an honor the presence of at least one Late Harvest wine in its range, and at Fautor there are exactly three (!) of 2016’s harvest. Two wines have recently been launched on the market – Rhein Riesling and Traminer – and one more is still resting.
It is important to note that such a type of wine does not manage to be produced in any year, as for the accumulation of high sugar, grapes need a long and warm autumn. Earlier this winery only twice launched Late Harvest wines: in 2010 Rhein Riesling and in 2011 – Sauvignon Blanc. Both had great success at consumers.
Six years later…
Fautor winemakers have got great happiness to produce again late-harvested Rhein Riesling, as well as the Traminer variety. Recently, these wines received very good reviews from consumers and specialists at the “Arvins 2018” exhibition, which took place between April 25 and 30 in Montreaux. Also in this exhibition has already appeared a delivery order for Late Harvest wines in Switzerland.
Rhein Riesling 2016 and Traminer 2016 have the same stylistic concept (they are full, with intense flavor, but at the same time fine and noble), but they differ from each other. Not in vain The winemaker decided to produce three Late Harvest wines from the same harvest (now we have the opportunity to enjoy two). Although the grapes were collected almost in the same period – in the first half of October – less sugar was accumulated in Riesling’s berries than in Traminer ones – this is a special feature of these varieties.
This is why Rhein Riesling wine 2016 has been shown to have less sugar – 27 g / l, and Traminer 2016 – with 42 g / l. In this way, the winemakers have taken care of consumers with different preferences – someone loves the wine of the less sweet grape harvest, while somebody else – sweeter.
Late harvest Rhein Riesling, 2016
I think it will be fond for even dry wine lovers, as its sweetness almost does not even feel, thanks to the successful acidity swing. I would like to point out that Rhein Riesling grapes are traditionally used to produce wine with natural sugar and “ice” wines, as it is kept well on the vine for a long time. Besides, it has a high acidity level that harmonizes well with the high level of sugar.
The wine is straw colored with glow. First nose test – floral. Late Harvest Rhein Riesling 2016 has a rich flavor with notes of tropical fruit, preserved peaches, baked apples, figs and summer field flowers.
He is of a special delicacy to taste with shades of the same canned peaches and apricots, with a pleasant acidity and a slight sweetness. With an extended after taste – shades of tangerine peel.
Late harvest Traminer, 2016
Pale yellow wine with brilliance. First nose test – rose and vanilla aroma. The sweet notes of liquid honey, lime flowers, jasmine, tea rose and later saffron are present in the flavor.- indeed a luxurious flavor,
Of course, this wine is sweeter and may be individual as dessert. In the fine taste are honey nuances, and in the prolonged post taste – the nuances of the orange peel. Alcohol content – 13%. Late harvest Traminer 2016 reminds Ice Wine Traminer – Muscat Ottonel 2016.
According to the statement of Fautor’s production director Tatiana Croitoru, this type of wine is more complicated to work with; as all the procedures go longer, and the wines require more careful care. But that’s worth the effort! Late Harvest wines are delightful.
Currently Late Harvest Rhein Riesling 2016 and Traminer 2016 are sold in Moldova and exported to Portugal, China and is ready for delivery in Switzerland.
As the late harvest Traminer 2016 was first bottled, it managed to reach the Mundus vini Spring Tasting 2018 where it won the silver medal, Pistonul de Aur, Romania – silver, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles – silver, silver medal at this contest also won Rhein Riesling late harvest.
PS: Late harvest – it is autumn and sweet wines of overripe grapes. If it’s autumn, then it’s “Autumn in New York” with Richard Gere. But what can be more sweet than a mutual love? That’s why I associate with “When you came in my life” …
These wines can also be bought “online” in the store vinhosdamoldavia.com with delivery to all countries of Europe. The site is available in seven languages.
