Grape variety

Riesling.

Terroir

The steeply-sloping plots of Riesling Schieferberg vineyard are located in the communes of Reichsfeld and happen to lie close to one of the Chemins de Compostelle routes. The grapes are therefore from a terroir of blue schist which is unique in Alsace and dates from the Precambrian (over 542 million years ago). This is the locality that gave its name to the mountain and to the premier cru. Its deep soil, enjoying a south-facing plot, makes Schieferberg vineyard a unique wine for its fruity side.

Harvesting

The grapes are harvested by hand into 20kg boxes.

Vinification

Vinification starts with a long pressing, then a static cold settling is carried out. Fermentation takes place thanks to native yeasts. Malolactic fermentation is complete. The wines from Domaine de Schieferkopf undergo full malolactic fermentation and are characterized by their late ripening terroir which enhances the complexity and round structure of our wines. The malolactic fermentation brings out the minerality from the blue schist terroir.

Maturing

The wine is aged for 10 months in big casks (foudres).

Tasting

Colour: steady gold colour.
Nose: citrus aromas, candied lemons, cherry-plum and smoky notes.
Palate: clear attack, good acidity with citrus aromas. The palate is smooth and straight, the final is characterized by a good salinity and a great length on citrus aromas. This wine develops its full complexity 4-8 years after bottling.