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Grand Cru Schoenenbourg is one of the most renowned Grands Crus of Alsace, with records of its wines dating back to the 16th century. Praised as “the most noble wine of this country,” it even attracted the interest of philosopher Voltaire, who owned vineyards in this prestigious terroir.
North of Riquewihr, the vineyards run along the south and south-east side of Schoenenbourg, between 265 and 380m in altitude, on a rather steep slope. The grapes undergo manual harvesting and are then pressed as whole bunch. After a prolonged and gentle pressing, the juice is moved to tanks for a delicate static settling process. The gradual, cool, natural fermentation extends for up to three months, followed by several months of aging. These meticulous steps contribute to capturing and preserving the authentic "sense of place". We consistently aim to prevent malolactic fermentation to safeguard the aromas and inherent freshness naturally present in the wine.
Tasting Notes: On the nose, the wine exudes a fragrant and complex bouquet. Aromas of ripe citrus fruits, such as lemon and grapefruit, mingle with subtle floral notes, often reminiscent of white flowers. There might be a hint of stone fruit, like peach or apricot, adding a touch of sweetness to the aromatic profile. The Riesling reveals its hallmark acidity, providing a refreshing and lively sensation on the palate. The taste is crisp and precise, with pronounced citrus flavors dominating. The acidity is well-balanced, contributing to a bright and zesty character.The finish is long and persistent, leaving a lasting impression of citrus zest and minerality. There may be a touch of residual sweetness, enhancing the overall complexity and providing a harmonious balance.
Food Pairing: The versatility of Riesling allows it to pair well with a range of poultry dishes. The acidity complements the richness of the meat. Riesling's versatility makes it a great match for the complexity of flavors often found in Asian fusion cuisine.
Jancis Robinson MW: "Rather majestic on the nose and palate! This is extremely complex and arresting, combining the floral aspects of Riesling with layers of peachy fruit plus considerable steeliness. It's already a delightful and very persistent drink but it will clearly age beautifully, too." 18/20
Schoenenbourg is the broadest and most generous of the three. The vineyard sits above Riquewihr on soils containing marl, dolomite and gypsum. These soils hold water well and tend to produce Rieslings with greater depth and weight. Grown on gypsum and marl, Schoenenbourg is the broadest and most generous of the three. If Rosacker is about precision, Schoenenbourg is about presence. 95 points, Vinous Drinking window: 2026–2056
