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.

This sweet Pinot Gris is a rarity indeed. It is one of the domaine’s “Quintessence de Grains Nobles” range, a classification created by the domaine in 1983 and as its name suggests, these wines express the quintessence of their noble varietal. The grapes are cultivated on the steep slopes of Schlossberg, enjoying a south-facing aspect which allows for perfect ripening of the fruit and which is translated in wine with its sweet finish and hint of citrus. Schlossberg has been renowned for winegrowing since the 15th Century and it was the first terroir in Alsace to be attributed Grand Cru status. This is a enormously complex wine, offering candied aromas.