This wine is 100 percent estate-grown by Pierre Sparr. The Schoenenbourg Grand Cru vineyard stretches across a rather steep south- and southeast-facing hillside between the villages of Riquewihr and Zellenberg, covering a total area of 53.4 hectares (132 acres), at an altitude of 265 to 380 meters (869 to 1,246 feet). As part of the Ribeauville Fault Bundle in the sub-Vosgian Hills,the subsoil consists of water-retaining marl, dolomite and gypsum, overlaid with fine layers of Vosges sandstone, siliceous gravel and Muschelkalk (consisting of a sequence of limestone and dolostone beds with fossil shells, formed 240 million years ago in the Middle Triassic.) Schoenenbourg has been renowned since the 16th century; the suffix “bourg” indicates a previously walled town. It is recorded that Voltaire owned several vineyards here.

Dates for the beginning of harvest for each AOC are set by decree, generally 100 days after the median date of flowering, at the time when the grapes display the best sugar-to-acid ratio. The 2011 harvest took place under the best possible conditions.

Bright yellow hue, with fruity aromas of lemon peel, a touch of apple, licorice and minerals. The delicate note of flint is accompanied by hints of butter and lime blossoms. With aeration, aromas of papaya and pineapple arise; however, the full minerality appears in the palate, framed by a fresh lemony acid and a dynamic racy body. The long mineral/aromatic aftertaste indicates the age of these vines, forming the perfect finish for a charismatic Alsatian Riesling, which still has many years to develop its full potential.