Weinbach, Riesling, Schlossberg- Grand Cru, Alsace, France 2020

The Faller family of Domaine Weinbach is crafting wines "without compromise and in a perpetual quest for excellence." 

Domaine Weinbach named after a stream that runs through the property, it is located in the foothills of the hill of Schlossberg- which also lends its name to one of Alsace's most famous Grand Cru single vineyard, Schlossberg Grand Cru. The vineyard was first planted in the 9th century and a winery was established by Capucin Monks in 1612, which inspired the Faller family to adorn their labels with a Capucin monk harvesting grapes in a traditional basket. These ancient walled vineyards are still planted to this day, named Clos de Capucins.

After the French revolution, the land was confiscated and eventually purchased by the Faller brothers in 1898. Theo Faller took over after his father and uncle and is credited  for expanding the vineyard holdings. Ardent supporter of quality viticulture, has inspired the following generations to follow his footsteps. The Faller family farms about 90 hectare, making wine only from estate vineyards from prime parcels. Their top terroirs are Clos de Capucins and Altenbourg, as well as prime holdings in the Grand Cru vineyards of Schlossberg, Kaefferkopf, Mambourg, Furstentum and Marckrain. 

Since 2016, the winery is run by Catherine Faller and her two sons, Eddy and Theo. The family moved to biodynamic viticulture in the late 1990s in an effort to allow their prime parcels to show through and to leave a living land to the following generations. 

In the Cellar, wines are fermented with spontaneous yeasts, aged in old Foudres (large oak casks traditionally used in Alsace), with minimal sulphur addition before bottling as to stabilize the wine for transport and aging. 

Schlossberg was the first vineyard in Alsace to be elevated to a Grand Cru status in 1972, producing powerful wines with structure, complexity and elegance. Exceptional to enjoy now, but will definitely reward cellaring