Now run by the 7th generation of the family, Domaines Schlumberger was founded in 1810 by Nicolas Schlumberger, who established vineyards on the renowned slopes above the town of Guebwiller. These vineyard sites have a history of viticulture, having been planted since 207AD. Through successive generations the holding has grown to be one of France’s largest and finest domaines.
Clos Saint-Léger Riesling comes from a single parcel in the heart of the Kitterlé Grand Cru. This parcel was planted in 1995 with Riesling grapes. The terroir is of volcanic- sandstone origin and occupies a unique site in a small basin on an east-west axis, facing due south on a succession of several vertiginous terraces between 342 and 392 meters above sea level. The light, sandy soil held back by huge dry-stone walls means that yields are limited (20 to 25 hl/ha). Monitoring is carried out from the winter pruning of the vines through to the harvest.
Hand-picked and carefully sorted, the grapes are then transported in crates to our winery in the early hours of the morning for slow pressing. After 12 hours of settling, the perfectly clear juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks, where the temperature is rigorously controlled. The wine was racked and then stored on the fine lees until bottling (under neutral gas) on June 18, 2018.
This dry, broad-shouldered version has developed nicely over the years, revealing ample minerality with finely layered flavors of papaya, melon, star fruit and ground white pepper. The finish is long and inviting. It is powerful and heavy, but driven by piercing acidity that should help this go the distance. — Aleks Zecevic
Pair it with a fish curry with pineapple, cod with saffron, cicada with dog sauce (onion, garlic, chili pepper, lemon), basmati rice or goat’s milk cheese such as Chabichou du Poitou. Serving temperature 12°.
Serve at 12°C
93 points, Wine Enthusiast
This dry, broad-shouldered version has developed nicely over the years, revealing ample minerality with finely layered flavors of papaya, melon, star fruit and ground white pepper. The finish is long and inviting. It is powerful and heavy, but driven by piercing acidity that should help this go the distance. — Aleks Zecevic
AOC Alsace Grand Cru Kitterle
100% Riesling
Natural Cork
13.77
0.43
4.73 g/L
Yes
Yes
