Grand Cru

Schoenenbourg

Riquewihr

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      Riquewihr

    To the 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.

    This locality, a surface area of 53.40ha, sits on terrains of Keuper marl, dolomite rock and gypsum, rich in fertilizing elements which have good water retention. They are covered with fine Quaternary-period layers of Vosges and Muschelkalk sandstone silt-pebbles.

    On the Schoenenbourg, Riesling is the king! Muscat and Pinot Gris also grow successfully.

    Known since the early Middle Ages, Schoenenbourg wine was famous throughout all the northern European countries as of the 16th century. The great Swiss mapmaker Merian, mentions it in 1663: 

    Schoenenbourg, where the most noble wine of this country is produced… 

    Voltaire owned several acres.

    The Schoenenbourg Grand Crus are wines which age wonderfully, developing intense and rich aromas. The terroir microclimate is particularly suited for the prestigious Vendanges Tardives and Sélections de Grains Nobles.

    Citation

    The gypsum greatly influences the personality of this Grand Cru.  

    The wine structure is full-bodied and ample, backed with robust exuberance. Gypsum is expressed by specific and delicate minerality, through smoky, match-stick and flint notes.

    The natural intensity of this Grand Cru and its distinct, aromatic and terroir-specific diversity, soothes the expression of this grape variety. Riesling has found a favourite terroir here on the Schoenenbourg, whereas other grape varieties grow her with a distinct mineral expression. This Grand Cru also allows to produce some wonderful sweet wine.

    Romain Ilitis
    Meilleur Sommelier de France 2012 & Meilleur Ouvrier de France 2015 

    Consommation

    Schoenenbourg requires patience. If young this wine already has lots of charm, it’s really only after ageing for five to seven years that it fully expresses its potential, to then preserve its qualities for years after.

    During early vintage: A tender weight with exotic fragrances gives tasters an intense sensation blended with a complex smoothness, which precedes a minerality evoking warm pebbles. 

    During late vintage: a greater exuberance giving structured wines which leave room for a “gunpowder” minerality. The aromatic range reveals subtle notes of fresh or dried flowers.

    Accords

    The mineral spirit and exuberance of this Grand Cru allows to refine and appease robust dishes. So, a tajine of spicy monkfish, browned or fried fish also match great as the wine generosity and weight blend with the rich dish texture while appeasing the seasoning and keeping the character of the flavours. 

    The Vendanges Tardives or Sélections de Grains Noble wines have so much flavour that they can be appreciated alone. But they also pair perfectly with yellow fruits or, even more surprisingly, with white chocolate.

    The Grands Crus of Alsace

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