M. Chapoutier : Riesling "Lieu-dit Fels" Domaine Schieferkopf 2017

A powerful and elegant Alsace Riesling

The property

Several times elected Drinks International’s prestigious "most admired French brand" ranking, M. Chapoutier embodies today the elite of the greatest names of the Rhône Valley. Established since 1808 in Tain-L'Hermitage, M. Chapoutier has been able to grow while remaining faithful to the values that have made its reputation. Respect for the terroir, boldness, conviviality and generosity: that is the M. Chapoutier philosophy. Taking up the torch, Michel Chapoutier has made the family business a brilliant success. Winemaker and wine merchant, this man of many talents holds the world record of the 100/100 mark awarded by the famous American critic Robert Parker. Today, joined by his daughter Mathilde, Michel Chapoutier takes forward the destiny of the iconic house with ambition and panache.

Over the years, Maison M. Chapoutier has bought 10 estates in different regions of France and the world, including one in Alsace. Domaine Schieferkopf, located between Colmar and Strasbourg, has been producing organically grown wines on high quality terroirs since 2011.

The vineyard

The 8-hectare estate is located in the village of Bernardvillé, on the route to Santiago de Compostela, not far from the border with Germany. It benefits from a unique terroir in Alsace, located on the only blue schist vein in the region. The vineyard is at an altitude of 350 metres, the highest in the region, and mostly grows Riesling. The vintages are made from meticulous plot selections.

The wine

Mr Chapoutier's 2017 Riesling "Lieu-dit Fels" from Domaine Schieferkopf is made from vines planted on Villé blue schist and on an ancient subsoil dating from the Precambrian period. The plot from which it comes is south-east facing, has a 30% slope and is party to very windy spells which allow the wine to reveal a delicate minerality.

Winemaking and ageing

The grapes were harvested by hand in 20 kg boxes. A long pressing was carried out as well as a cold settling to protect the wine's scents. Native yeasts were used for the alcoholic fermentation and the malolactic fermentation was carried out in its entirety as it is for all the wines of the estate, to achieve a beautiful roundness. The wine was then aged in tuns for 15 months.

Blend

Riesling

Characteristics and tasting tips for M. Chapoutier : Riesling "Lieu-dit Fels" Domaine Schieferkopf 2017

Tasting

Colour
This wine has a beautiful golden colour.

Nose
The nose is complex, elegantly mingling citrus notes and minerality.

Palate
This wine is full-bodied and powerful, with a lovely texture. Saline notes are revealed at the finish with a gorgeous length on the palate, that comes through thanks to the quality of the terroir.

Food and wine pairing

This wine pairs with canapés and poultry.

Storage

This Riesling reaches its peak and develops its complexity after four or five years.

To serve

For the best tasting, serve between 7 and 10°C.