Domaine Weinbach, Alsace Grand Cru AOC Schlossberg Riesling
1999, Alsace, France
Classification Alsace Grand Cru AOC
Colour / Type White
Bottle size 75cl
Alcohol 14%
Grape Riesling
Average score 89
Domaine Weinbach is a leading wine estate in the Alsace region. It is named after the 'wine brook', a small stream that runs through the main property, which is a former monastery near Kayserberg. The estate is known for its wines made at varying levels of sweetness from Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner, Gew rztraminer and Muscat. Unusually for the region, Weinbach only uses estate-grown grapes. It has holdings in four nearby Grand Cru vineyards on the slopes of the Weisbach Valley Schlossberg, Furstentum, Mambourg and Marckgrain. Weinbach also owns the famous 5-hectare (12-acre) monopole, Le Clos des Capucins, which surrounds the cellars just below Schlossberg, and the Altenbourg vineyard adjacent to Furstentum. All of the estate's 28ha (69 acres) of vineyards have been farmed biodynamically since 2005 and are certified by Ecocert and Demeter. After a gentle, gradual pressing, the juice is slowly fermented in old oak vats using indigenous yeasts. For several decades the estate was run by Colette Faller and her daughters, winemaker Laurence and sales director Catherine. Laurence died tragically young from a heart attack in 2014, and her mother passed away the following year. Since 2015, Catherine has been running Domaine Weinbach with her son Theo, a leading figure in the alsatian vineyard and ardent promoter of its recognition in Appellation d'Origine Controlee.
About Domaine Weinbach
Domaine Weinbach is a historic and highly regarded wine estate located in the Alsace region of France, specifically in the village of Kaysersberg. Established in 1612 by Capuchin monks, the estate takes its name from the "wine brook" that flows through its vineyards. Since 1898, Domaine Weinbach has been owned and operated by the Faller family, who have played a pivotal role in shaping its reputation for excellence. The estate is currently managed by Catherine Faller, who continues the family’s dedication to quality and tradition.
The estate encompasses approximately 30 hectares of vineyards situated at the foot of the majestic Schlossberg hill, one of Alsace’s most prestigious Grand Cru sites. The vineyards are planted primarily with classic Alsace grape varieties, including Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat, and Pinot Noir. Domaine Weinbach is particularly celebrated for its expressive and age-worthy Rieslings, which reflect the unique terroir of their granitic soils, as well as for their aromatic Gewurztraminers and elegant Pinot Gris wines.
Domaine Weinbach practices organic and biodynamic viticulture, having converted their entire estate to these methods under the guidance of the late Colette Faller and her daughters, Catherine and Laurence. This commitment to sustainable farming ensures that the health of the vines and the surrounding ecosystem is preserved, and that the resulting wines authentically express the character of their origin. The grapes are harvested by hand at optimal ripeness, and careful selection in the vineyard ensures only the best fruit is used for winemaking.
In the cellar, Domaine Weinbach employs traditional winemaking techniques, favoring gentle pressing and the use of indigenous yeasts for fermentation. The wines are typically aged in large old oak foudres, which allow for subtle oxygen exchange while preserving the purity of fruit and terroir expression. Minimal intervention is practiced throughout the process, with the aim of producing wines that are both precise and vibrant, capturing the essence of each vintage and vineyard parcel.
The estate produces a range of wines from village-level bottlings to single-vineyard and Grand Cru expressions, with each wine reflecting the nuances of its specific site. Notable cuvées include Riesling Schlossberg Grand Cru, Gewurztraminer Furstentum Grand Cru, and Pinot Gris Altenbourg. Domaine Weinbach wines are known for their aromatic intensity, balance, and capacity for aging, making them highly sought after by collectors and sommeliers worldwide.
Throughout its long history, Domaine Weinbach has remained family-run, with a strong sense of tradition and an unwavering commitment to quality. The estate has played a key role in the international recognition of Alsace wines, and its bottles grace the lists of top restaurants and cellars around the globe. Today, under Catherine Faller’s leadership, Domaine Weinbach continues to honor its heritage while embracing innovation, ensuring its place among the leading producers of Alsace.