2019 Completer Malanserrebe
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Tasting notes
Completer is a grape destined for vinous/fine wine greatness – almost singlehandily, it has been restored from almost extinction by Donatsch. At over 1.000 years old, it is one of the oldest grape varieties in existence and gets its name from a Catholic monk’s last prayer “Completorium” which would be shortly followed by a glass of the then potent elixir. Riper in style with searingly high acid it is powerful yet incredibly elegant – concentrated and built for a wealth of various gastronomies. Regardless of its style, it is the balance possible even with high alcohol (routinely 14-15%), its structure, significant yet imperceptible sweetness (5-8 g/l) and bracing but finely tuned acidity that characterises it. Given blind to any Master Somm, this would keep most of them guessing! With all the elements needed to age wine for a long period this can be enjoyed now or in 30 years, it really can go the distance!
Critic scores
Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Tasted next to the fascinating complex 2021, the 2019 Completer Malanserrebe shows a bright citrus color and opens with a clear and concentrated yet still pretty reductive nose with fruity and yeasty notes. Full-bodied, tight and pretty tannic as well as fresh on the palate, this is a masculine and bone-dry Completer that doesn't show the charm of the 2021 since it fermented through to a bit more than two grams of residual sugar. This is a vintage to be cellared for many years. 14.5% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted at the domaine in Malans, February 2023.