Domaine Paul Blanck & Fils
It’s getting on for 200 years since the family established a wine business in Kientzheim. For the past 30 years, cousins Frédéric and Philippe Blanck have been in control, placing a sharp focus on the vines and the soil they grow in. The domaine has increased its holdings from 24 to 36 hectares, with five grands crus accounting for more than a third. Sometimes the brilliance of Alsace – its terroir and the spice, minerals, freshness and sweet fruit it delivers – gets overlooked by the wine-drinking world. There’s little chance of that happening with the Blancks around, and we’re very happy to be the ones to help them share it.
Winemaking
An exceptional vineyard. At 200-300m, the Schlossberg slope lies on the Kaysersberg migmatites and the intruding granite of Thannenkirch, whose arenaceous character provides very fertile, mineral soil, composed both of coarse sand and clay.
The variety of minerals (potassium, magnesium, fluorine, phosphorus) determines the finesse and aromatic complexity of its wines. Schlossberg slopes so steeply that vines are grown on terraces.
The juice is extracted with infinite care in an air-bag press. The slow, gentle pressing avoids crushing the stalks and pips. The must starts fermenting of its own accord thanks to the natural yeast present in the juice, and the fermentation generally lasts from four to 10 weeks. It is carried out in stainless-steel vats equipped with temperature control, a medium which maximises the expression of this variety's aromas.
The wine is matured on its lees in large oak barrels for 12 months. This lees-contact contributes richness to the wine. What is more, the oxygen that passes through the pores of the wood brings about a gentle oxidization of the wine, opening up its aromas in the process. The wine is then bottled and aged for two to the further years before release.
Tasting Notes
Bright pale green. Explosive nose of passion fruit, honey, vanilla and wet stone. Very deep, rich, round and long, with sweet mango and pepper nuances lingering impressively. This knockout opulent Schlossberg has extra fat in a good way, and an added measure of oomph. And it's already superb.
No recommended products at the moment.
