M. Chapoutier : Riesling "Lieu-dit Buehl" Domaine Schieferkopf 2024

Tasting notes and serving advice for the Riesling "Lieu-dit Buehl" Domaine Schieferkopf 2024 by M. Chapoutier

Tasting

Appearance

Clear and bright, the wine reveals a beautiful golden yellow hue enhanced by delicate green highlights.

Nose

The aromatic bouquet stands out for its great complexity. It combines aromas of exotic fruits such as mango and pineapple, reflecting excellent sun exposure, with subtle notes of citrus, mirabelle plum, and orange blossom. The whole is supported by a deep minerality.

Palate

The attack is powerful, marked by intense flavors of ripe fruit. The palate offers superb volume and a complex, rounded structure. The finish, remarkably long, is taut, fresh, and almost saline, driven by vibrant acidity and iodine notes typical of its schist terroir.

Food and wine pairings

This white wine pairs beautifully with seafood, sushi, or meaty fish. It will particularly enhance a scallop tartare with mango or shrimp prepared with coconut milk.

Service and cellaring

To fully appreciate this Riesling "Lieu-dit Buehl" Domaine Schieferkopf 2024, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 45 and 50°F, taking care to decant it beforehand. This wine can be enjoyed in its youth but will continue to develop its complexity and can be cellared until around 2030.

The mineral and taut expression of a schist-grown Riesling from Alsace

The estate

While the renowned Rhône Valley-based House M. Chapoutier was founded in 1808, Domaine Schieferkopf was created in Alsace in 2009. The result of a partnership between five enthusiasts, the estate is now led by the iconic Michel Chapoutier, alongside his children Mathilde and Maxime. True to the estate’s philosophy, the vineyard is farmed biodynamically to express the purest truth of the terroir. The House also stands out for its values of inclusion, notably by featuring braille on its labels since 1996.

The vineyard

Located in the village of Bernardvillé in Alsace, the lieu-dit Buehl is a small 1.2-hectare parcel perched at an altitude of 380 meters. This vineyard, certified in organic and biodynamic agriculture, is distinguished by its steep south-facing slopes and deep soils composed of a single band of Precambrian blue schist dating back more than 542 million years.

The vintage

The year began with a particularly mild February, leading to early bud break that was fortunately spared by spring frost. From May to July, rain and cool temperatures created strong fungal pressure, requiring great vigilance in the vineyard. After a warm and sunny August, the return of rain and cooler conditions in September slowed ripening. Harvest, which began in October, yielded healthy berries with fine acidity and a more moderate alcohol level.

Vinification and aging

The grapes for this Riesling "Lieu-dit Buehl" Domaine Schieferkopf 2024 are hand-harvested in small crates. In the cellar, they undergo a long pressing of around eight hours followed by cold static settling. Fermentation takes place under temperature control using indigenous yeasts, followed by full malolactic fermentation. Finally, the wine is aged on its lees for 15 months in large traditional wooden casks.

Grape variety

This Riesling "Lieu-dit Buehl" Domaine Schieferkopf 2024 by M. Chapoutier is made from 100% Riesling.