Dopff & Irion Riesling Grand Cru Schoenenbourg 'Chateau de Riquewihr'

The cream of the crop in Alsace are the Grand Cru, 51 small hillside sites with superior 'terroir' producing wines of greater intensity and finesse. The Schoenenbourg Cru is a block of vines on the slopes above the town of Riquewihr, The philosopher Voltaire once owned vineyards in this Cru! There are just 7 vignerons who now own segments of Schoenenbourg, different parts of it planted in Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Muscat.

The soils of the site are 'Keuper' - laid down in the late Triassic epoch some 220 million years ago, including clay with fragmented dolomite, gypsum and sand.

Notes from the winery: light but intense, complex aromas of apricot, yellow and white fruit, curry leaf and saffron, ginger and candied zest, a note of incense. Chiseled, harmonious, beautiful aromatic palette, lively and spicy persistence.

This is an 'off dry' style (contrasting with the dry style of the first tier Riesling) with a little touch of sweetness balanced with a firm backbone and great structure. Excellent wine, enjoy now or happily decant for a decade.