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 Kitterlé vineyard covers 25 hectares with sandy soil resting on a bedrock of pink sandstone and volcanic rock. The steeply sloping stone-walled terraces have three different exposures south-west, south and south-east allowing optimum ripeness to be achieved producing rich, refined wines. Yields are 25 hl/ha.
The grapes are hand-picked and whole bunches are pressed. There is static settling of the lees. The wine is fermented in temperature controlled at cool temperatures to nurture the aromatic compounds in the grapes. After fermentation, the juice remains in stainless steel tanks on its lees for a further 8 months before bottling. After bottling, the wine spends a further month in bottle before release.
After good weather over the summer months, without extreme temperatures, the pre-harvest conditions were ideal with clear and sunny days and cool nights. 2008 was a classic vintage, the hallmark being wines of structure created by high levels of tartaric acid.
Pale golden yellow with aromas of exotic fruit, flint and citrus zest. On the palate, lime and aromatic herbs such a rosemary with an intense mineral finish.
Serve with grilled fish such as bream, mullet or turbot or alternatively pork loin.
Serve at 12°C
91 Points Wine Spectator, Alison Napjus August 2013
AOC Alsace Grand Cru
100% Riesling
Natural Cork
12.5%
1.2 g/l
5.4 g/l