Domaine Weinbach is situated at the foot of the Schlossberg hill in Alsace and is named after a small stream, ‘Wine Brook’, that runs through the Estate. Founded in 1612 by Capuchin monks and then taken over by the Faller brothers in 1898, it is now in the hands of Catherine Faller and her son Théo who produce some of the country’s finest wines.

“I visit a lot of wine estates, but this is one visit I will remember for a long time. Weinbach, based in Kientzheim, is one of the star domaines of Alsace.” Jamie Goode, wineanorak.com

Domaine Weinbach farms biodynamically and hand harvest all of the crop with a view to quality over quantity. Each vineyard has its own specific terroir, which along with the other unique characteristics of grape and vintage, shimmer through these elegant and sophisticated wines thanks to their ageing in large old oak foudres.

Catherine and Théo grow a variety of grapes within the estate - Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Muscat, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Sylvaner - but it is Riesling that is the king of Alsace wine and at the hearts of the Faller family. The Domaine owns 8 hectares of Riesling vineyards and they were among the first in Alsace to receive Grand Cru status in 1975.

On a base of granite rocks, the soils are brown, slightly acidic, and pebbly. The Schlossberg’s steep, south-facing slopes ensure exposure to optimal sunshine. The soils are very well drained and warm up very rapidly producing delicate fruit with a bouquet of great finesse.

“I have already nailed my colours to the mast by listing Domaine Weinbach in my 100 Most Iconic Wine Estates book. I am always absolutely mesmerised by the thrilling wines from this Domaine.” Matthew Jukes

Alsace stretches along France's eastern border with Germany, forming a narrow strip between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine River. This unique geographical position has shaped both the region's winemaking traditions and its distinctive bottle shapes, with influences from both French and German viticulture evident throughout its 15,500 hectares of vineyards. The region operates under its own appellation system, with Alsace AOC covering varietal wines and Alsace Grand Cru AOC designating 51 specific vineyard sites of exceptional terroir.

The Vosges Mountains create a rain shadow effect that makes Alsace one of France's driest wine regions, with annual rainfall often below 500mm. The diverse geological foundation includes granite, limestone, sandstone, and volcanic soils, contributing to the complexity found across different vineyard sites. Grand Cru vineyards, situated on the steepest and most favorable slopes, benefit from optimal sun exposure and specific soil compositions that enhance varietal expression.

Alsace focuses primarily on single-varietal white wines, with Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc forming the core of production. The region's winemaking philosophy emphasizes pure varietal character, typically fermenting wines to dryness unless designated as late-harvest styles. Crémant d'Alsace represents the region's traditional-method sparkling wines, while small quantities of Pinot Noir produce the area's only red wines. The combination of continental climate, protective mountain influence, and varied terroir creates wines with pronounced aromatics, mineral precision, and notable aging potential.

The Alsace Grand Cru designation represents the pinnacle of quality in the Alsace wine region of France. Established in 1983, the Grand Cru status is reserved for wines produced under strict regulations from designated vineyards that highlight the unique terroirs of Alsace. These vineyards are situated in specific parcels that are recognized for their superior climatic and geological conditions, which contribute to the distinctive expressions of the wines.

Alsace Grand Cru wines are predominantly white and made from four principal grape varieties: Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat. Each variety brings its unique flavor profile to the wines, from the floral and aromatic intensity of Gewurztraminer to the crisp, mineral complexity of Riesling. The wines are known for their precision, depth, and ability to age gracefully, developing rich, nuanced flavors over time.

The Alsace Grand Cru system currently includes 51 officially classified vineyard sites, each with its own distinct characteristics and regulations regarding viticulture and winemaking practices. These sites are often marked by steep slopes that provide optimal exposure to sunlight, enhancing the ripening of the grapes. The soils vary widely across the Grand Cru areas, from volcanic and sandstone to limestone and marl, each adding a unique element to the wine's profile.

Alsace Grand Cru wines are celebrated for their quality and diversity, offering a wide range of styles from dry and intensely mineral to sweet and sumptuously fruity. They reflect the rich cultural heritage of Alsace, a region influenced by both French and German winemaking traditions, and are highly sought after by connoisseurs and collectors around the world.