Rolly Gassmann

Domaine Rolly Gassmann, based in the Alsace village of Rorschwihr, stands apart for one practical reason: they age their own wines before release. While most producers sell immediately, Rolly Gassmann stores over two million bottles in their cellars—aging stock that ensures every bottle you buy has already developed in the glass. This means you're drinking wines at their intended maturity, not raw and waiting. Owner and winemaker Pierre Gassmann built a state-of-the-art gravity-fed winery in 2019 specifically to support this ageing philosophy, creating what locals call 'the cathedral'—a six-tier structure carved into the hillside.

About Rolly Gassmann

Since the 17th century, members of both the Rolly and Gassmann families have produced wine across Alsace. When the two families united through marriage in 1967, the domaine was officially established with 50 hectares of vineyard holdings spanning Rorschwihr and Bergheim. Today, Pierre Gassmann oversees the estate as part of the second generation of family stewardship.

The limestone soils of Rorschwihr—over 20 variations across the village—create naturally backward wines that demand time before drinking. Rather than sell young, Pierre ages his production to ensure every release shows at its best. The village's soil complexity is so varied it has no Grand Cru designation; instead, multiple lieux-dits (named vineyard parcels) like Kappelweg, Oberer Weingarten, Silberberg and Brandhurst reflect this terroir diversity. Pierre's 70 vineyard plots are hand-harvested and vinified separately.

Winemaking here follows consistent principles: gentle pressing for up to 12 hours, long fermentations driven by natural yeast populations, and maturation on the fine lees—duration adjusting according to each grape variety and specific vineyard site. Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Sylvaner and Pinot Gris spend four to five months fermenting. Pierre encourages noble rot and harvests late for concentrated fruit and optimal sugar ripeness—often starting when other producers are already picking their late-harvest wines. Though uncertified, the domaine farms using organic and biodynamic principles throughout.

Rolly Gassmann Wines in Our Collection

The range reflects the estate's commitment to both dry wines and nobly rotten dessert styles. Start with the 2020 Riesling or 2021 Riesling (Vivino 4.1 each) for everyday drinking—flinty, mineral, food-friendly. The 2020 Sylvaner Réserve Millésime (90 points, Vivino 4) offers aromatic charm as an aperitif or with lighter dishes.

The 2022 Brandhurst de Bergheim Pinot Gris (Vivino 4.4) delivers flinty minerality with textural weight.

For dessert wines, the 2020 Riesling de Rorschwihr Cuvée Yves Vendanges Tardives (91 points by Jancis Robinson) balances richness with acidity, while the 2015 Oberer Weingarten de Rorschwihr Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives (95 points, Robert Parker) showcases what late harvest becomes after years in cellar—fully integrated, complex, and ready now.

Food Pairing

Pair dry Rieslings with seafood, poached fish, and shellfish—the minerality cuts through richness. Gewurztraminer suits aromatic spiced dishes, Asian cuisine, and pâté. Pinot Gris works with roasted chicken, creamy sauces, and mild cheeses. The Vendanges Tardives (late-harvest wines) match blue cheese, stone fruits, and desserts based on stone fruit or honey.

Why does Rolly Gassmann age their wines before selling?

Rorschwihr's limestone soils produce naturally backward wines needing time to show their best. Pierre ages stock to release mature, fully developed bottles rather than young wines.

What makes the limestone terroirs at Rorschwihr special?

Over 20 limestone variations exist across Rorschwihr due to a geological fault line, creating diverse soil complexity reflected in named vineyard parcels (lieux-dits) like Kappelweg and Silberberg.

How are the wines made at Domaine Rolly Gassmann?

Gentle pressing up to 12 hours, fermentation with indigenous yeasts for four to five months, and extended lees ageing. All 70 vineyard plots are hand-harvested and vinified separately.

Who makes Rolly Gassmann wines?

Pierre Gassmann, owner and winemaker, oversees the domaine in Rorschwihr, Alsace. The Rolly and Gassmann families united through marriage in 1967; Pierre represents the second generation of family stewardship across 70 vineyard plots.

What style of wine does Rolly Gassmann make?

Primarily dry whites from Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Sylvaner, and Pinot Gris, plus nobly rotten dessert styles. The 2019 Gewurztraminer scored 91 points—aromatic and floral. All wines age in their cellars before release for optimal maturity.

How much does Rolly Gassmann wine cost?

Between £18.50 and £47.85. Entry-level dry whites start at £18.50–£21; mid-range vineyard parcels run £25.60–£37.25; premium and dessert wines reach £41.80–£47.85.