Riesling, Schoenenbourg, AOC Alsace Grand Cru – 2017
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Introduction
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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 vineyard has been renowned since the 16th century; the suffix “bourg” indicates a previously walled town.
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Vineyard Profile
- Appellation: AOC Alsace Grand Cru
- Location: Vosges hillside, elevation 265 to 380 meters (870 to 1,246 feet), with a south/southeast exposure
- Viticulture: No irrigation; trellised vines; hand-harvesting
- Size: 1.5 hectares (3.7 acres)
- Vine Age: 35 years
- Soil: Water-retaining Keuper, marl, dolomite and gypsum, overlaid with fine layers of Vosges sandstone, siliceous gravel and Muschelkalk (fossil shells)
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Vintage Report
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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 2017 harvest was excellent, but yields were down by up to one third due to spring frosts.
- Harvest Date(s): Third week of October
- Yields: 50 hectoliters per hectare (3.7 tons per acre)
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Vinification
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Traditional, no skin contact, temperature-controlled, no malolactic.
- Aging: Stainless-steel tanks, wine on fine lees for 8 to 10 months
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Riesling
- Production Case Pack: 6/750ml
- Alcohol: 13.5%
- TA: 5.7g/L
- RS: 6.6g/L
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Tasting Notes
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Bright yellow hue, with aromas of lemon zest, pear, lime blossom and flint. The full minerality appears in the palate, framed by a fresh citrus and a dynamic racy body. The long mineral/aromatic finish indicates the age of these vines. This charismatic Alsatian Riesling still has many years to develop its full potential.
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Images
Reviews
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PIerre Sparr Riesling, Schoenenbourg, AOC Alsace Grand Cru – 2017 – Wine & Spirits – 90 Points
With its tart flavors of cider apples allayed by some richer puff pastry notes, this is lean and focused in the finish, almost tannic in its yellow fruit-skin power.
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Pierre Sparr Riesling, Schoenenbourg, AOC Alsace Grand Cru – 2017 – Wine Enthusiast – 91 Points
Hayflower, dried apple peel and chalky earth create a quintessential Alsace Riesling nose. The palate is juicy in an apple flavor, with a pith-like texture on the streamlined body. The finish is dry