The Thorn Pinot Gris Late Harvest 2021 is an exceptional dessert wine from Wijngoed Thorn, located in the picturesque Limburg town of Thorn. This wine is made from 100% Pinot Gris grapes harvested very late in the season, in the last week of November. The grapes are affected by 'pourriture noble' (noble rot), which results in a higher concentration of sugars and aromas. The vineyards are situated on an old arm of the river Maas and consist of clay and sand, turning into gravel at some depth, which contributes to the wine's unique expression of terroir. The climate in this region is among the driest in the Benelux, with an average of 680 mm of rainfall per year and around 1600 hours of sunshine, which favours the ripening of the grapes. After the hand harvest, the grapes undergo temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless-steel tanks, which preserves the fruity and fresh characteristics of the wine. The wine has an alcohol content of 10.5%, an acidity of 8.0 g/l and a residual sugar content of 89 g/l. In the glass the wine shows a rich golden colour. The nose is marked by complex notes of honey, peach, banana and pineapple. On the palate the wine offers a harmonious balance between sweetness and acidity, resulting in an elegant and long-lasting finish.
This dessert wine pairs excellently with various desserts, such as lemon tart or crêpe Suzette. The wine is also very well suited to accompany pâtés as a starter. The wine shows at its best when served lightly chilled, at around 15°C.
Wijngoed Thorn, founded by winemaker Harry Vorselen, is a leading Dutch winery based in the historic town of Thorn. With around 6.5 hectares of vineyards, the estate produces a range of wines, including Frühburgunder, a variety rarely found in the Netherlands. Since 2018 the wine-growing area has fallen under the Protected Designation of Origin (BOB) Maasvallei Limburg, which guarantees the quality and origin of the wines. The estate strives to produce characterful Maasland wines through a combination of modern techniques, high quality standards and a deep passion for viticulture.