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.

Pinot Gris tends to be overlooked among other noble varietals in Alsace, but it is a truly delicious wine, abounding with elegance and fruit. Here Weinbach has produced an outstandingly elegant cuvée, full of ripe-flavour. As is often the case with biodynamic cultivation, the terroir is left to speak for itself, in this case the vines are grown on pebbly, sand and silt soil. The de-stemmed grapes undergo a 12 day maceration before maturation in old oak casks for 15 days; the aged oak means that the fruit retains all their purity of flavour without transferring woody aromas to the wine. The resulting wine is compelling and delicate, marrying very well with a roast chicken, red meat or even tuna steak.