Domaine Weinbach "Pétillant Naturel" Alsace, France 2020

FROM VINEYARD BRANDS:

THE WINE: 90% Chasselas, 5% Riesling, 5% Gewurztraminer. Centenary Chasselas from our monopole Clos des Capucins vineyard, together with a bit of adjacent Riesling (for the crispiness) and Gewurz (for the spice). The soil is composed of sand silt on granite pebbles. The grapes growing on this terroir ripen a lot earlier, producing wines with complex aromatics and a powerful concentration. Hand-picked at optimum maturity to reinforce the aromatic expression and body of the wines, gently pressed in whole clusters in pneumatic presses, fermentation with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel fermenter. Bottled while still fermenting in October 2020, it finished fermenting in bottle and spent over 3 years on lees. Disgorged in December 2023. Nose of yellow fruits and flowers. Subtle yet persistent bubbles, it is a medium-bodied wine with a great balance between the fruit and the acidity, which leads to a long-lasting finish and a mouth-watering sensation.

THE PRODUCER: At the foot of the majestic Schlossberg hill surrounded by vines and roses lies Domaine Weinbach. Named after the little stream which runs through the property, and planted with vines since the 9th century, it was established as a winery in 1612 by Capuchin friars. After being sold as national property during the French Revolution, it was acquired by the Faller brothers in 1898 who then left it to their son and nephew, Théo. Théo Faller was a prominent figure in Alsace winegrowing and an ardent defender of quality wine production. After his death in 1979, his wife Colette, his daughters Catherine and Laurence, and their team continued the family’s passion for the great wines of Alsace and its unrelenting commitment to excellence. Since 2016, Catherine has led the estate winery with her sons, Eddy and Théo. Employing both organic and biodynamic practices, Domaine Weinbach produces an exquisite range of wines: estate varietal wines including Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Sylvaner and Pinot Blanc, single vineyard wines that express the diversity of the terroir, and luscious yet balanced vendanges tardives and selections de grains nobles wines