Sophie Schaal - Alsace Pinot Gris 2024

Alongside a wine-trading venture in South Africa, Julien Schaal founded his Alsatian business in 2011—a highly original endeavor, as it is exclusively a wine-trading business based on the purchase of grapes from grand cru vineyards. Currently, nine grand cru wines are on the menu, representing just about every type of soil in the region, and the selection consists solely of Riesling—with the exception of a Gewürztraminer from the Osterberg and a blend from the Altenberg de Bergheim. In a blind tasting, his 2017 vintages blew us away. Hats off!

Generous and aromatic, it reveals notes of gingerbread, candied orange peel, and a hint of nutmeg. On the palate, it is supple yet balanced, carrying these warm, spicy notes with refined balance. Long, elegant, and subtly complex, it leaves a refined and delicately spicy impression on the finish.

A rich, spicy, and assertive nose. Truly very appealing, with lovely tension. This is the finest Alsace wine from this winemaker that I’ve tasted so far. Very pleasant, with a slight astringency that in no way detracts from the wine but, on the contrary, lends it a welcome structure. The acidity is moderate enough that the wine comes across as slightly dry, which likely explains why it pairs so well with these savory dishes. (JR)

The 2024 Pinot Gris is harvested in Hunawihr, primarily in the Mühlforst vineyard, on heavy marl and clay soils, as well as on another plot that lends the wine greater freshness. A small portion of the grapes underwent brief maceration before pressing. The nose reveals notes of creamy pear accompanied by a subtle smoky hint. On the palate, this same smoky note blends with the creamy pear and is balanced by the lively freshness of lemon. This creates a beautiful balance and results in a very versatile wine. (Very dry)