M. Chapoutier : Riesling "Lieu-dit Fels" Domaine Schieferkopf 2023

Characteristics and tasting notes of the Riesling "Lieu-dit Fels" 2023 M. Chapoutier

Tasting

Colour
With a superb golden hue, the appearance reflects the optimal ripeness of the berries.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet expresses beautiful intensity, marked by smoky, distinctive notes. Subtle touches of citrus, particularly lemon, intertwine with a refined minerality.

Palate
Lively, elegant and powerful all at once, the palate offers a remarkable texture. It stands out through a fine mineral reduction reminiscent of wet stone and slate. The finish, taut and lingering, unfolds with delicate saline notes.

Food and wine pairing

Perfect as an aperitif to open a meal, this white wine also beautifully complements poultry, seafood such as oysters or sea bream, as well as Asian-inspired dishes featuring fresh herbs and citrus.

Service and storage

To fully appreciate the Riesling "Lieu-dit Fels" 2023, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 8 and 10°C. While it already offers great tasting pleasure, it will reveal its full complexity after 4 to 5 years of aging and can continue to evolve in the cellar for at least twenty years.

Other characteristics

This white wine stands out for its dry profile, resulting from a vinification with minimal, or even no, residual sugar, allowing its natural tension to fully express itself.

The distinctive expression of a great white wine from Alsace

The estate

Founded in 1808 in the Rhône Valley, the house of M. Chapoutier has established itself as an essential global reference. Under the leadership of Michel Chapoutier, a pioneer of biodynamics since 1990, the estate expanded its expertise to other terroirs, settling in Alsace in 2009 with the creation of the Schieferkopf estate. Today, the estate is led by Michel Chapoutier, his wife Corinne, and their children Mathilde and Maxime, representing the eighth generation. They continue to uphold a rigorous philosophy centered on absolute respect for the soil and the authentic expression of each parcel.

The vineyard

Located on the hillsides of Bernardvillé in Alsace, this unique terroir reaches an altitude of 380 metres. The vines thrive on steep slopes facing south-southeast, ensuring optimal sun exposure and excellent ventilation. The uniqueness of this site lies in its very shallow soil, made up of a rare band of blue schist dating back to the Precambrian era. Cultivated according to organic and biodynamic principles, this vineyard forces the roots to draw their resources directly from the bedrock, shaping the wine's mineral character.

The vintage

After a mild, dry winter, spring brought generous rainfall that helped replenish water reserves. May, particularly warm, led to rapid vegetative growth. Summer then turned scorching, dry and windy, causing early water stress, followed by a cooler spell in July that required close vigilance regarding vine health. In late August, intense heat accelerated ripening. Finally, cool nights starting mid-September allowed the berries to reach perfect ripeness while preserving lovely freshness until the harvest in mid-October.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes destined for the Riesling "Lieu-dit Fels" 2023 are hand-harvested in small crates to preserve the integrity of the fruit. At the winery, the process begins with a long, gentle eight-hour pressing, followed by cold static settling. Alcoholic fermentation is triggered by indigenous yeasts, followed by a complete malolactic fermentation. Finally, the wine undergoes an extended aging period of 15 months in large traditional wooden vats, allowing for gentle micro-oxygenation.

Grape variety

100% Riesling