Domaines Schlumberger, Riesling, Les Princes Abbés 2007

The Estate

A young team led by Séverine Beydon-Schlumberger and Alain Freyburger, the wine maker. The largest vineyard holders in Alsace of which over 50% are Grand Cru status. Their second wines bearing ‘Princes Abbés’ labels, nevertheless contain considerable quantities of fruit from the Grand Cru vineyards. The style is rich and intense. On our visit, we were amazed by the attention to detail from the upkeep of 45km of drystone walls on the steep mountainside vineyards to the complete modernisation of equipment in the winery. The Rieslings are charming and supple; the intense fruit of the Pinot Gris is sensational and lovers of Gewürztraminer will be delighted by these rich, balanced wines.

History

Riesling is Alsace’s noblest and finest grape variety. Although it was introduced in the 15th century by the Rhineland, it actually originates from the Orleanois region. It is very different to its German counterpart and from the numerous Rieslings that can now be found throughout the world.

Location

The Riesling is mainly planted in the BOLLENBERG plot and in the Grand Cru SAERING and KESSLER plots as well as among the young vines of the Grand Cru KITTERLE plot.