Now run by the 6th and 7th generations, Domaines Schlumberger was founded in 1810 by Nicolas Schlumberger, who established vineyards on the renowned slopes above the town of Guebwiller. These vineyard sites have a history of viticulture, having been planted since 207AD. Through successive generations the holding has grown to be one of France’s largest and finest domaines.
Domaines Schlumberger now own 130 hectares of vineyards, 70 of which are Grand Cru. The Saering vineyard faces east and south-east at an altitude of 260 -300 metres above sea level. The soil is comprised of marl/limestone/sandstone resulting in a delicate Riesling. Yields are 45 hl/ha.
The grapes are hand-picked and whole bunches are pressed. There is static settling of the lees. The wine is cooled fermented in temperature controlled tuns. After fermentation, the juice is remains in stainless steel tanks for a further 8 months before bottling. After bottling, the wine spends a further month in bottle before release.
A much easier vintage than preceeding years with a very warm summer. Overall yields were small but of a high quality.
Golden in colour with green hues, with aromas of lime, camomile, stone fruits and a hint of white pepper. Zippy, mineral and dry.
Serve with seafood, sole or flat white fish. Also an excellent aperitif and with charcuterie.
Wine Spectator: 92 POINTS
March 31, 2019, Alison Napjus
“A mouthwatering, light- to medium-bodied white, with fine drive to the creamy mix of blood orange sorbet, ripe yellow peach, saffron and exotic spice flavors. Long and minerally on the finish. Drink now through 2025.”
JamesSuckling.com: 92 POINTS
May 28, 2018, James Suckling
“Very citrusy and herbal with a hint of wild berries. This is a sleek and tightly wound dry riesling with a serious acidity structure for the hot vintage. If that sounds good to you, this wine has a lot to give right through the long mineral finish. Drink or hold.”
Ian D’Agata: 91 POINTS
January 2018
“Good straw-green. White flowers and ripe stone fruit on the nose. Then bigger and richer in the mouth than the nose suggests, featuring clean, juicy flavors of ripe peach and pear that are full of early appeal. Finishes lemony and bright, with hints of flint.”
AOC Alsace Grand Cru
100% Riesling
Natural Cork
Yes
No
