Adventures in Wine > Alsace
Alsace
Bordering the Rhine in North-east France, Alsace is happily sheltered from rain by the Vosges mountains. The region produces mainly white varieties such as Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Muscat and Gewurtztraminer.
These ‘varietal’ wines have a uniquely aromatic quality and offer a range of distinctive flavors. Most of the white wine is dry although a small but growing trend for off-dry wines by some leading producers has caused criticism. Some sweet ‘late harvest’ wine is also made along with the occasional red. (Financial Times)
Domaine Schaetzel
Winery: Domaine Schaetzel
Region: France
Sub-region: Alsace
Gewurztraminer Cuvee Isabelle
Tokay Pinot Gris Marckrain Alsace
Riesling Kaefferkpf Granit
Gewurztraminer Reserve
Pinot Blanc Reserve
Pinot Gris Reserve
Riesling Reserve
Pinot Blanc Reserve
Jean Schaetzel is obsessed with quality. He is a man driven to make pure, clean, balanced wines that are correct and express a sense of place. He is not interested in making giant wines in the style of some of his neighbors, favoring more elegant, understated wines with subtlety and finesse. His wines are considered among the best of Alsace.
Located in the town of Ammerschwihr, Domaine Martin Schaetzel has been producing wines since 1803. In 1979 Jean and Béa Schaetzel took over the estate from Jean’s uncle Martin. Jean handles the viticultural and oenological development of the wines, while Bea directs administration.
The 13 hectare Domaine is farmed biodynamically.
Jean’s ambition is to craft three distinct styles of Alsace wine:
Vintage Cuvées express typical characteristics of each varietal.
Hallmark cuvées are rich, complex wines that express terroir.
Late Harvest & Selections de Grains Nobles are mellow, liquorous wines to be savoured.