Riesling Cuvée Sainte-Catherine Weinbach (Domaine) 1999

Lot presentation

Riesling Cuvée Sainte-Catherine Weinbach (Domaine) 1999

The wine

The Sainte-Catherine cuvée is produced from old Riesling vines growing on the lower reaches of Grand Cru Schlossberg, which are harvested later than average. In the mouth it is remarkably rich, almost fat, pairing particularly well with oily fish, such as salmon. This domaine adheres to organic and biodynamic methods, favouring a gentle pneumatic whole-cluster pressing, fermentation in old oak casks using indigenous yeasts and an 8 month maturation in oak barrels.

About the Producer Weinbach

One of the most beautiful properties in Alsace, the Weinbach vineyard covers just over 26 hectares. The Capuchin monks produced a wine from the early 17th century on the historic terroir of the Clos des Capucins (5 hectares enclosed by walls). Sold as a national asset in the French Revolution, the property was acquired in 1898 by the Faller brothers, who passed it on to their son and nephew, Théo. A major figure in French viticulture and an ardent defender of Alsace's vineyards, largely responsible for their being granted AOC status, Théo Faller died in 1979. His wife Colette and her daughters Catherine and Laurence took charge of the property and continued to build its reputation; it is now known all over the world. Located at the base of the majestic Schlossberg hill, it benefits from an exceptional position that has all of the geological and climate characteristics usually associated with Alsace's finest wines. The vineyard is tended with a deep respect for nature and with a view to expressing each terroir. The harvests are delayed until optimal ripeness; after rigorous selection the grapes are gently, progressively pressed, followed by long fermentations in old oak casks. The property produces successful generic cuvées, but really stands out for its grandes cuvées, named after members of the family, and associated with each terroir.

Detailed characteristics