# Jean-Baptiste Adam Alsace Grand Cru Kaefferkopf 'Le Grand K' (2018)

- **Producer:** Jean-Baptiste Adam
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Gewürztraminer, Riesling
- **Region:** Alsace, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €35
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** peach, nectarine, mango, blossom, rose, ginger, lemon, biscuit, butter, honey, petrol, kerosene, dried apricot, marmalade

## About this wine

Established in 1614, the Jean-Baptiste Adam estate represents 15 generations of family winemaking in Ammerschwihr, Alsace. A pioneer in biodynamic viticulture, the estate transitioned to organic and biodynamic practices in 2004. 'Le Grand K' (or 'K') is a tribute to the historic field blends of the Kaefferkopf Grand Cru, which was officially designated as Alsace's 51st Grand Cru in 2007 with a rare exemption allowing traditional field blends. Sourced from 60 to 75-year-old vines (Vieilles Vignes) grown on complex granite-limestone soils, this wine represents the pinnacle of the estate's heritage and terroir expression.

## Interesting facts

- Kaefferkopf was the 51st Grand Cru of Alsace and uniquely permits traditional field blends of Gewürztraminer and Riesling.
- The grapes for 'Le Grand K' are harvested on the exact same day and co-pressed together to fuse their characteristics from the start.
- The wine is fermented and aged in historic, century-old large oak tuns (foudres) that have been in the Adam family for generations.
- Production is extremely limited, with only about 1,800 bottles produced in exceptional vintages like 2018.

## Food pairing

This wine's exceptional balance of high residual sugar and driving acidity makes it incredibly versatile. The unctuous sweetness and full body stand up beautifully to rich, savory dishes like foie gras and pungent cheeses like Munster, while the vibrant Riesling acidity cuts through the fat. Additionally, the exotic aromatics and sweetness perfectly complement the heat and complexity of spiced Asian cuisines.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for 'Le Grand K' is defined by the traditional practice of co-pressing. The oldest parcels of Gewürztraminer and Riesling are harvested by hand on the exact same day. The whole clusters are loaded together into a pneumatic press, initiating an early chemical marriage of the two varieties. Spontaneous fermentation occurs in century-old large oak tuns (foudres) using only indigenous yeasts. The wine is then aged on its fine lees in these historic casks, preserving its natural complexity and texture without the use of animal fining agents.