Domaine Weinbach Alsace Colette Riesling 2022

Product Information:

Named in honour of the late Colette Faller, a revered figure in Alsatian wine and a cornerstone of the Weinbach legacy, this wine celebrates her profound impact on the estate. Like her daughter Laurence and husband Théo, Colette’s extraordinary contributions are beautifully enshrined in a wine that carries her name, perpetuating her remarkable legacy for generations to come. This cuvée comes from 50- to 60-year-old vines in the Bonnes Terres terroir, lower down on the Schlossberg slope, where the soils are deeper and sandier. The fruit here tends to be picked a touch later. Accordingly, the register of flavours is more intense, running from white flowers to tropical fruits and citrus fruit zest. The wine’s power is balanced by great freshness and verve.

Biodynamic. Even though the Colette Riesling comes entirely from Schlossberg, some of the vines fall just outside the Grand Cru boundary, so it cannot be labelled as such. But no matter, it offers Grand Cru quality in the glass. This gorgeous dry Riesling was raised for 11 months in old oak casks and bottled unfiltered. 

Maker:

Domaine Weinbach is celebrated as one of Alsace's top producers and, by extension, one of the finest aromatic estates globally. Despite its acclaim, it remains refreshingly modest. Under the stewardship of the Faller sisters, Catherine and Laurence, the Domaine manages 27 hectares of predominantly Grand Cru vineyards, including the renowned Schlossberg. Since 2005, they have embraced biodynamic farming. Domaine Weinbach’s wines, known for their power and purity, rank among the best aromatic whites available today. They offer exceptional quality at a price comparable to top white Burgundies and premium German Rieslings.

Positioned at the base of the grand Schlossberg hill, Domaine Weinbach’s "wine stream," named after the small stream that runs through it, was originally built by Capuchin monks in 1612. After being sold as national property during the French Revolution, the Estate was acquired in 1898 by the Faller brothers, who passed it on to their son and nephew, Théo. A prominent figure in Alsace, Théo Faller was a outspoken promoter for the recognition of Alsace wines as an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée and dedicated himself to enhancing the Estate’s quality and terroir.

From 1979, Théo's wife Colette and daughters Catherine and Laurence continued his legacy with a steadfast commitment to excellence. Since 2016, Catherine Faller, alongside her sons Eddy and another Théo, has been at the helm, perpetuating the Domaine’s tradition of producing exceptional Alsace wines.

Vineyard:

The 2022 releases from Domaine Weinbach underscore the estate’s brilliance. Even though the Colette Riesling comes entirely from Schlossberg, some of the vines fall outside the Grand Cru boundary, so it cannot be labelled as such. The domaine has applied for Premier Cru status. But no matter, it offers Grand Cru quality in the glass.

The growing season was notably dry and warm, with no disease pressure affecting the pristine fruit. While the dryness was manageable and did not lead to drought conditions, yields were lower than average. This reduction, however, resulted in wines of remarkable concentration and vibrant fruit flavours. Domaine Weinbach’s wines are renowned for their longevity and consistent high standards, a tradition that has been upheld for decades. 

Lovers of this domain can expect intoxicating, dense and iridescent dry Rieslings, crafted from both low-yielding Clos des Capucins and lofty throne of Schlossberg, Alsace's first recognised Grand Cru. Not to mention, the savoury Gewürztraminer showing heightened elegance from the steep, limestone and clay slopes of the Furstentum hillside. These are truly timeless wines - worthy of investing in now to enjoy their rewards in the years to come.

Nose - White Flowers, Tropical Fruits, Zest
Intense, running from white flowers to tropical fruits and citrus fruit zest. 

Palate - Peachy Fruit, Fresh, Slate
The wine’s power is balanced by great freshness and verve.

Finish - Lemon, Building Minerality, Fresh
Sweet floral nuances and underlined by a fascinating minerality that builds. Powerful but balanced great freshness and verve.

The very deep and refined peachy fruit is overlain with sweet floral nuances and underlined by a fascinating minerality that builds as the wine flows over the medium- to full-bodied palate. From old vines at the bottom of the Grand Cru Schlossberg site. - Stuart Pigott, jamessuckling.com, 95 Points.

The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Riesling
Country - France
Region - Alsace
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14%