Anyone who tastes any of the wines from the Domaine Weinbach agrees that it is without doubt one of the finest wineries in all of France. Indeed their fragrant, dry Rieslings like the Schlossberg and the rich and fruity Cuvée Ste. Catherine…each Riesling is outstanding. The pinot gris is simply delicious as well, but it is their Gerwurztraminer, the stunning Grand Cru Furstentum Cuvée Laurence, spicy and rich, that is among the finest in the world. These are rich, elegant complex wines that place the estate at the pinnacle of the Alsatian wineries.
The Domaine was founded in 1612 by the Capuchins, an order of Franciscan monks who also gave their name to the domaine’s most prized vineyard, the “Clos des Capucins” at the foot of a hill known as Schlossberg in a picturesque, fairytale village in Alsace, surrounded by the Vosges mountains.
In 1898, the Domaine changed hands and was taken over by the two Faller brothers who left it to their nephew Theo Faller. Theo was a force to be reckoned with. He was completely devoted to Domaine Weinbach: a fervent advocate of the region’s advocate as an Appellation d’Origine Controlee, he loved the terroir and he was passionate about his wines. And it was his wine that came from the Schlossberg Vineyard that was the first ever Grand Cru of Alsace.
When he died in 1979, the Domaine was taken over by his wife Colette and daughters, Laurence and Catherine. Sadly, Laurence passed away tragically in May 2014 at the age of 47. A beautiful, warm woman, she strongly believed in the non-interventionist approach to wine, one that requires great discipline, experience and confidence not to fiddle with wines too much. That still continues in addition to the biodynamic procedures that were put in place in 1998. This terroir is so unique: granite and sandy soils, full south exposure, high altitude and a very deep soil combined give the Riesling such incredible character, with delicate fruit and a remarkable finesse.
Because of the aromatic complexity of Domaine Weinbach wines, I would suggest paring them with food…try them with the pork chops, duck breast, roasted chicken or even the citrus chili salmon next door at Eli’s Table.
The wines we have at Ei’s List include:
2012 Alsace Reisling Grand Cru Schlossberg
2013 Alsace Reisling Grand Cru Schlossberg
2013 Alsace Reisling Grand Cru Schlossberg Cuvee St. Catherine
2013 Alsace Reisling Grand Cru Schlossberg Cuvee St. Catherine l'Inedit
2013 Alsace Gewürztraminer Cuvee Theo
2013 Alsace Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Furstentum