M. Chapoutier : Riesling "Lieu-dit Fels" Domaine Schieferkopf 2018

The minerality and freshness of an Alsace white wine

The property

Established since 1808 in Tain-L’Hermitage, the House of M. Chapoutier today embodies the elite of the greatest names in the wines of the Rhône Valley.

As a winemaker and merchant, Michel Chapoutier has managed over the vintages to lead this family business to the top. The wines of Maison Chapoutier are recognized for their refinement and high quality by the finest connoisseurs beyond borders. A man of many hats, Michel Chapoutier holds the world record for 100/100 scores awarded by American critic Robert Parker. Mathilde, Michel Chapoutier's daughter, has taken up the torch of this iconic house, overseeing a vineyard of over 350 hectares across the most prestigious appellations of the northern and southern Rhône Valley.

The vineyard

Resulting from parcel selections, this Riesling "Lieu-dit Fels" Domaine Schieferkopf 2019 from M. Chapoutier is an Alsace wine made from a biodynamically managed plot located in the municipality of Bernardvillé. Planted on a vein of Alsace blue shale, this shallow vineyard, facing southeast and with a particularly windy microclimate, gives the wine minerality, tension, and elegance. This plot is recognized as the most mineral of the estate.

The wine

Schieferkopf is part of the Estates and Houses managed by M.Chapoutier. This estate oversees a vineyard whose mosaic of exposures and soils reveal all the nuances and richness of Alsace and German wines.

Vinification and aging

Manual harvest. Long pressing followed by static settling at cold temperatures. Alcoholic fermentation with indigenous yeasts. The malolactic fermentation is complete, characteristic of the late terroir of the Schieferkopf estate, in order to develop the complexity, roundness, and minerality of the wine. The aging lasts for 15 months in foudres.

Blend

Riesling (100%)

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Riesling "Lieu-dit Fels" Domaine Schieferkopf 2018 from M. Chapoutier

Tasting

Color 
The color is a beautiful golden hue.

Nose
Of beautiful finesse, the nose combines fragrances of citrus and lemon with subtle mineral notes.

Palate 
The palate is seduced by its tension and minerality. As it evolves, this wine develops smoky notes and salted butter caramel. Persistent and structured, the finish reveals delicious saline notes.

Cellaring

This great Alsace wine can be cellared until 2023 to express its full aromatic palette.

Food and wine pairings

Ideal as an aperitif, this "Lieu-dit Fels" Domaine Schieferkopf 2018 from M.Chapoutier is a perfect match for poultry.