Domaine Weinbach - Riesling - Cuvee Colette

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 wine will change your perception of a traditionally sweet Riesling.

Besides Riesling, Alsace produces quite a lot of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Crémant d’Alsace: a sparkling wine that is mushrooming in popularity.

What is the major taste of Alsace wine? Alsacian wine is all about aromas. Floral and peachy smells fly out of the glass and many of the wines are unctuous enough to pair nicely with savoury fowl, like roast quail. Alsace wines give the tingle of brilliant acidity but also offer a rich texture from moderate alcohol (some wines are 14 – 15% ABV).

The producers in Alsace do not use oak ageing to add spice and richness, instead they rely on a balance of ripeness and alcohol to fill out the flavour.

Alsace wine will change your perception of a traditionally sweet Riesling. Besides Riesling, Alsace produces quite a lot of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Crémant d’Alsace: a sparkling wine that is mushrooming in popularity. What is the major taste of Alsace wine?

Alsacian wine is all about aromas. Floral and peachy smells fly out of the glass and many of the wines are unctuous enough to pair nicely with savoury fowl, like roast quail. Alsace wines give the tingle of brilliant acidity but also offer a rich texture from moderate alcohol (some wines are 14 – 15% ABV). The producers in Alsace do not use oak ageing to add spice and richness, instead they rely on a balance of ripeness and alcohol to fill out the flavour.