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 Kessler vineyard has pink sandstone soil and faces east, south-east, which protects it from north winds and cold air streams brought by the valley of Guebwiller. Yields are 35 hl/ha. Kessler produces structured and elegant wines.
Grapes are fermented in thermocontrolled tuns for one to four months. The wine is then aged on the lees for eight months.
Bright, golden yellow in colour with perfumes of peaches and rose petals. Spicy with aromas of saffron and white pepper, as well as exotic fruit flavours such as mango. This wines is rich and honeyed with great complexity and a fleshy mouthfeel.
Serve with roast goose or turkey, red pepper dishes, curry or even lamb chops.
Julia Harding MW
“Intensely spiced and perfumed and a touch of honey. Rich, sweet and viscous, filling the mouth with scent. Not sure when you would drink this but it is very expressive and perfumed and just enough acidity to balance. Drink 2017-2020”
JamesSuckling.com: 95 POINTS
May 28, 2019, James Suckling
“A complex nose with plenty of candied-grapefruit and pineapple character, as well as some fresh lychee and a hint of spices. Great textural complexity and some real minerality, making this concentrated gewurztraminer stand out of the pack. The finish is stunning. Delicious now, but this will be even better from 2020. The sweetness will be even better integrated.”
Vinous Media: 93 POINTS
January 2019, Ian D’Agata
“Bright yellow-gold. Refined aromas of mirabelle, spicy tropical fruit and honey. Very rich, honeyed and clean, displaying an enticing crystalline quality to the rich, round papaya, mango and sweet spice flavors. Finishes juicy, vibrant and very long. A great wine, with real personality.”
AOC Alsace Grand Cru
100% Gewurztraminer
Cork
12.5%
44.4 g/l
4.04 grs/l
Yes
No
