2018 Domaine Weinbach Pinot Noir "Altenbourg", Alsace, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

The Altenbourg terroir is located just below the Grand Cru Furstentum. Limestone forms the base of the soils, in addition to marl and sandstone. The brown calcareous soils have a pebbly structure on a steep slope with full southern exposure.

Hand-picked at optimum phenolic maturity to reinforce the aromatic expression and body of the wines.

1.5 weeks pre-fermentation cold maceration followed by 1.5 weeks classic maceration during which the fermentation by indigenous yeasts begins (element of the terroir, enhances depth and complexity in the wines). The wine then ages for 15 months in oak barrels of which 30% is new.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

At the foot of the majestic Schlossberg hill, in a setting of vines and roses, the Domaine Weinbach "wine stream", named after the small stream that crosses it, was built in 1612 by the Capuchin monks.

Sold as national property during the French Revolution, the Estate was acquired in 1898 by the Faller brothers who passed it on to their son and nephew Théo. A great figure in the Alsatian vineyard and ardent promoter of its recognition as an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, Théo Faller works for the quality of Alsace wines and the development of their incomparable terroirs and grape varieties. In love with his property, he develops it, enlarges it and embellishes it.

From 1979, his wife Colette and his daughters Catherine and Laurence demonstrated the same passion for the great wines of Alsace and the same unfailing attachment to quality.

Since 2016, Catherine Faller has been running the Domaine with her sons Eddy and Théo.