Jean Marie Haag Exception 1827 Sylvaner 2016

Jean-Marie Haag Exception 1827 Sylvaner 2016 is a rare, late-harvest expression of Sylvaner from the hillsides of Alsace, crafted in a luscious dessert style. Made only in outstanding vintages, this cuvée showcases the grape’s precision and freshness wrapped in a rich, honeyed texture. The name “Exception 1827” pays tribute to the long winemaking tradition in the region and to the estate’s commitment to elevating Sylvaner beyond its humble reputation.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this dessert wine shows a bright golden hue with subtle amber reflections, hinting at both concentration and maturity. The nose is intensely aromatic, with layers of ripe apricot, candied citrus peel, acacia honey and baked pear, supported by hints of quince, chamomile and a gentle spiciness reminiscent of ginger and white pepper. On the palate, the wine is unctuous yet finely balanced, offering a silky, mouth-coating sweetness lifted by vibrant acidity. Flavours of dried apricot, mirabelle plum, honeycomb, marmalade and crystallised lemon zest mingle with notes of almond and a mineral backbone that keeps everything precise and elegant. The finish is long, clean and slightly saline, avoiding any sense of heaviness. 2016 has the structure to age gracefully for another 8–12 years from release, developing more nutty, caramelised and waxy nuances over time while retaining its core of freshness.

Production
The grapes for Exception 1827 Sylvaner 2016 are sourced from carefully selected parcels in Alsace, where the combination of limestone, marl and sandstone soils brings both tension and aromatic depth to the wine. The vines benefit from the region’s cool, dry climate and long autumns, which are ideal for allowing Sylvaner to reach high ripeness while preserving acidity. Harvest is carried out by hand in several passes, focusing on late-picked, perfectly healthy grapes with partial desiccation and elevated natural sugar levels. In the cellar, the must is gently pressed and fermented slowly at controlled temperatures to protect delicate aromatics. Fermentation is stopped with a naturally high residual sugar content, resulting in a dessert wine with balanced sweetness and vibrant freshness. The wine is then matured on fine lees for added texture and complexity before bottling.

Food & Serving
This dessert Sylvaner pairs beautifully with fruit-based desserts such as apricot tart, pear clafoutis, tarte tatin and citrus cakes, as well as blue cheeses like Roquefort or Fourme d’Ambert. It also works wonderfully with foie gras, either as a starter or alongside a lightly sweet chutney. Serve slightly chilled at around 8–10°C to highlight its aromatic lift and balance. Decanting is generally not necessary, but opening the bottle 15–20 minutes before serving will allow the aromatics to fully blossom in the glass.

Producer
Domaine Jean-Marie Haag is a small, quality-driven estate in Alsace, known for its meticulous work in the vineyard and its precise, characterful expressions of the region’s classic grape varieties. While Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer often take centre stage in Alsace, Jean-Marie Haag has earned particular praise for elevating Sylvaner, treating it with the same care and ambition as more prestigious varieties. The domaine’s hillside vineyards, farmed with respect for the environment and low yields, form the backbone of its distinctive wines. Over the years, Jean-Marie Haag has built a reputation among enthusiasts and sommeliers for pure, terroir-driven bottlings that age gracefully and reflect the nuance of Alsace’s diverse soils.

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