Winemaker Notes
The sheep's path that leads to the Grasberg, is an exceptional terroir, a thin limestone slab of the Aalenian, perched above the plain, the ultimate extension of the mound of the Altenberg of Bergheim looking east, and whose moderately warm climate is marked by intense ventilation. Drained by the north wind in summer and protected by the Foehn in autumn, this very poor terroir where the yellow limestone rock outcrops, allows a true expression of the fruits of this very complex vine, without the development of rot.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
What a beauty this expression of Alsace is. Excellent concentration, and the interplay of restrained ripeness and fine tannins with the silky acidity is spot-on. Very chalky finish with terrific dynamism. Still very young, but with great potential. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
From an east-facing terroir on soft limestone and vinified in pièces and sandstone vats, the white-gold 2022 Schoffweg "Le chemin des brebis" is clear, fresh and elegant on the pure, saline/iodine and complex mineral nose that is reminiscent of Chablis. Lush, dense and powerful, this is an intense and elegant, mouth-filling and firmly structured dry white wine with a mineral backbone and textural fruit. The finish is intense, saline, finely bitter and very long.
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Vinous
The 2022 Schoffweg is an east-facing site of Jurassic limestone. It is a field blend of Riesling, Pinot Gris and Muscat. Bright, crunchy Reine Claude plum on the nose is fresh, verging into a ripe note of Mirabelle plum. This tapers into lovely, long slenderness, with crunch, brightness, lovely yeastiness and a salty apple skin texture. There is a sense of oceanic freshness that makes this immensely appealing. (Bone-dry)
With hundreds of white grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended white wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used in white wine blends, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a variety that creates a soft and full-bodied white wine blend, like Chardonnay, would do well combined with one that is more fragrant and naturally high in acidity. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
Small but mighty, this picturesque region in northeastern France is renowned for its white wines produced by passionate families whose winemaking roots span generations and even centuries. Nestled between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine River, Alsace benefits from a sunny, dry climate and a long growing season. It is one of the most geologically diverse regions in the world — one of the many reasons why Alsace rocks!
Alsace wines include dry, mineral-driven Riesling, earthy Pinot Gris, refreshing Pinot Blanc, exuberant Gewurztraminer, elegant Pinot Noir, and more. From traditional-method sparkling wines to easy-drinking AOC Alsace, to complex Grand Cru bottlings from 51 distinct sites, and rich, late harvest wines, Alsace produces a wine for every occasion. Most Alsace wines are single-varietal bottlings and are labeled with the grape name. The region is also one of the greenest wine-producing areas in France, with 36% of its vineyard area certified organic.
Riesling, the region’s calling card, is dry, fresh and floral in its youth, developing complex mineral and flint character with age. Gewurztraminer is known for its signature spice and lychee aromatics. Pinot Gris is prized for its combination of crisp acidity and savory spice as well as ripe stone fruit flavors. Pinot Blanc is an affable food partner or porch sipper. Pinot Noir, the only red grape in AOC Alsace, is now authorized in three Grand Cru areas and is also used for Crémant d’Alsace sparkling rosé. Any bottle you choose will offer deliciousness, pleasure and value that is unprecedented in other wine regions.