Domaines Schlumberger Pinot Gris Grand Cru Kitterlé

Description

Domaines Schlumberger was founded in 1810, when Nicolas Schlumberger established his vineyards on the renowned, sunny slopes above the town of Guebwiller. With a holding of more than 140 hectares of vineyards, Domaines Schlumberger are not only the largest owners of vineyards in Alsace, but also have the largest Grand Cru area. Their vineyards cover nine kilometres along the south facing slopes of the Vosges Mountains, maximising the sunshine, and include four Grand Cru sites which represent more than 50% of the domaine. Yields are kept deliberately low, often a necessity on the steeper slopes of light sandy soil which can be as much as 60º. The vines are horizontally planted in rows protected by 50 kilometres of dry-stone walls to prevent soil erosion. The terraced slopes of Grand Cru Kitterlé (The Calf Breaker) face south-west, south and south-east on free-draining, sandy soils permitting yields of only 25hl/ha. The resultant concentration of flavours, with a mineral quality and fine acidity, give the wines exceptional ageing potential. There are