Pierre Sparr, Riesling Schoenenbourg Grand Cru, Alsace, France, 2017

Overview of the Wine

This wine is 100 percent estate-grown by Pierre Sparr. The Schoenenbourg Grand Cru vineyard stretches across a rather steep south- and southeast-facing hillside between the villages of Riquewihr and Zellenberg, covering a total area of 53.4 hectares (132 acres), at an altitude of 265 to 380 meters (869 to 1,246 feet). As part of the Ribeauville Fault Bundle in the sub-Vosgian Hills,the subsoil consists of water-retaining marl, dolomite and gypsum, overlaid with fine layers of Vosges sandstone, siliceous gravel and Muschelkalk (consisting of a sequence of limestone and dolostone beds with fossil shells, formed 240 million years ago in the Middle Triassic.) Schoenenbourg vineyard has been renowned since the 16th century; the suffix “bourg” indicates a previously walled town.

Grapes/Blend
100% Riesling

Origin
AOC Alsace Grand Cru

Tasting Notes
Bright yellow hue, with aromas of lemon zest, pear, lime blossom and flint. The full minerality appears in the palate, framed by a fresh citrus and a dynamic racy body. The long mineral/aromatic finish indicates the age of these vines. This charismatic Alsatian Riesling still has many years to develop its full potential.

91 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Hayflower, dried apple peel and chalky earth create a quintessential Alsace Riesling nose. The palate is juicy in an apple flavor, with a pith-like texture on the streamlined body. The finish is dry. ANNE KREBIEHL MW

Product size: 750ml