Location and terroirs
The Domaine Weinbach is located in Kaysersberg in the Alsace at the foot of the Schlossberg hill in France. The vineyards benefit from the microclimate of the Kaysersberg valley and from sun-rich exposures. They lie mostly on slopes; the Grand Cru Schlossberg features steep terraces facing south. The geological formations include granite, marl-limestone-sandstone and limestone.
Soils and vineyard work
Schlossberg lies on granitic migmatite with sandy soils that are flatter and more extensive on the upper slope and deeper further down. The Clos des Capucins is located at the foot of the slope, is protected from wind by surrounding hills, and has sandy-silty soils over granite rubble and granite boulders. Altenbourg is characterised by marl-limestone-sandstone and deep clay-limestone soils, while the Furstentum has shallow, stony brown limestone soils. The Domaine has been farming biodynamically since 1998, initially eight hectares and since the 2005 vintage all 38 hectares. Documented measures include strict yield control, ploughing and work on the soil, as well as the avoidance of herbicides, chemical fertilisers, chemical treatments and insecticides.
Grape varieties and wine styles
Among others, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Muscat, Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir are grown or bottled. The range includes varietal wines, parcel wines, Alsace Grand Crus, as well as Vendanges Tardives and Sélections de Grains Nobles. Most Rieslings come from the Grand Cru Schlossberg, while the Riesling Cuvée Théo comes from the Clos des Capucins. Vendanges Tardives and Sélections de Grains Nobles are produced from overripe grapes; for the Sélections de Grains Nobles, there is a strict selection of grapes affected by noble rot.
History and cellar work
The estate was built in 1612 by Capuchin monks and named after the small stream that flows through the property. The Clos des Capucins has been documented since 890 and was, at the beginning of the 17th century, partially transferred from the Abbey of Etival to the Capuchins. After the French Revolution, the estate became national property and was acquired in 1898 by the Faller brothers. Since 2016, it has been run by Catherine Faller together with her sons Eddy and Théo. In the cellar, careful grape selection, gentle progressive pressing, long fermentations in old wooden vats and the exclusive use of indigenous yeasts with minimal intervention are at the centre of attention.
