Weinbach Grand Cru Schlossberg "Sous La Foret"

Cuvee Ste. Catherine was created in 1984 before the accession of the grand cru system in Alsace. The was a challenging vintage with a cool, wet summer and the Riesling grapes were not ripe at all in September. Luckily, Alsace was blessed with a beautiful Indian summer and the last Rieslings from Schlossberg were picked on November 25th, Ste. Catherine’s Day.

This Riesling comes from the domaine’s oldest vines in the grand cru Schlossberg vineyard, situated mid-slope. It is the finest and richest of the domaine’s dry Rieslings. It is full and rich on the palate, well-structured and finely balanced; dry with a long, harmonious finish.

Winery: Domaine Weinbach
Appellation: Alsace Grand Cru
Average age of vines: N/A
Farming Methods: Organic and Biodynamic (certified by Ecocert & Demeter)
Maturation: 14 months in large and old oak Vats (neutral oak)
Soil: On a base of granite rocks, the soils are brown, slightly acidic, pebbly, of very good mineral fertility, of a shallow depth at the top of the slope and deeper at the bottom. The soils are very well drained and warm up very rapidly
Varietal: Riesling
Vineyard Orientation: The Schlossberg’s steep, south-facing slopes ensure exposure to optimal sunshine. This specific cuvee comes from plots acquired in 2019 and located at the very top of the hill (380-420m altitude), just beneath the forest
Vineyard Size: N/A

Wine	Scores	Downloads	Reviews
Weinbach Grand Cru Schlossberg "Sous La Foret" 2020	90 Wine Review Online There are at least 2 legal designations for blended white wines from Alsace; Edelzwicker (meaning noble-blending, grapes can be co-fermented, no requirement of naming the varietals or vintage) and Gentil (minimum 50% “noble” grapes including Riesling, Pinot Gris, Muscat or Gewurztraminer; the rest can be Chasselas, Pinot Blanc or Sylvaner; vinified separately). Domaine Weinbach has been producing compelling wines from typical Alsatian varieties for longer than I have been drinking wine. Here Winebach seems to aim for a higher-end product than the typical blends by blending two noble varieties grown in the Grand Cru Schlosserg vineyard, Pinot Gris and Riesling. Schlossberg is known for producing finely-textured and floral wines, grown on granitic soils with more than 3/4 of the 80 hectare vineyard planted to Riesling. Youth is evident in the pale green/ yellow color and slightly closed aromas when initially poured. With some aeration, aromas of Granny Smith apple, crushed green herbs as mint and chives and some flinty/chalk emerge. The palate offers driving acidity and a broad texture as well as a dry finish. The final impression is one of richness and freshness in equal harmonious parts. Bring out this delicious bottle for your best, French-inspired, pan roasted poultry or shellfish dishes.	Bottle Image Label Image Tech Sheet