Domaine Weinbach 'Cuvee Theo' Riesling, Alsace 2020

Domaine Weinbach 'Cuvée Théo' Riesling, Alsace 2020

Established in 1612, 100% Estate Grown

Winemaker: Laurence Faller,  Ghislain Berthiot

Farming: Biodynamic (certified Demeter)

Variety: Riesling

Terroir: Plots in the monopole Clos des Capucins vineyard composed of sand silt soil on granite pebbles. The grapes growing on this terroir ripen a lot earlier, producing wines with complex aromatics and a powerful concentration.

Vinification: Hand-picked at optimum maturity to reinforce the aromatic expression and body of wines. Gently pressed in whole clusters in pneumatic presses, fermentation with indigenous yeasts in old oak vats.

Aging: 8-10 months in large old oak foudres

Tasting Note:  Aromas of honeysuckle, underripe nectarines, fresh marigolds, hints of dried grass and a finish that buzzes with mouthwatering acidity and stony minerality. This wine is still young and vibrant, and will age for up to 20 years, becoming more umami driven and weighty as the years go by. 

Pairing: Serve it with garlic crab, scallops with herb oil, grilled fish or lemon roasted chicken.

Scores: 91 points, James Suckling. 91 points, Vinous

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From our 2023 Cellar Builder Club:

Domaine Weinbach Cuvée Theo Riesling, Alsace, France 2020 

Riesling from Alsace is exceptionally distinctive. Nearly always dry, typically fuller-bodied, and brimming with notes of dried persimmons and fresh jasmine blooms, it’s a specific style of Riesling that is difficult to find in other parts of the world. Alsace sits close to the city of Colmar in northeastern France and is known for producing white wines that are more powerful and concentrated than neighboring regions. The Vosges Mountains, which abut the region on its western edge, create a rain shadow effect in Alsace, causing a dry and sunny climate, creating grapes that can become quite ripe. Alsatian tradition dictates fermentation to dryness, yielding rich wines of character and complexity.

Domaine Weinbach is possibly the most famous and respected producer in Alsace. Capuchin Franciscan friars founded the estate in 1612 and named it for the stream that runs through its vineyards. Today, it is helmed by Catherine Faller, the fourth generation of Faller that has led the estate since 1898. Cuvée Théo Riesling comes from the estate’s home vineyard, Clos de Capucins, and is named after Catherine’s father. The family farms biodynamically and makes their wines as naturally as possible, fermenting in ancient large casks with native yeasts.  

Weinbach is known for these exceptional complex and layered wines. Aromas of honeysuckle, underripe nectarines, fresh marigolds, and hints of dried grass, with a finish that buzzes with mouthwatering acidity and stony minerality. This wine is still young, vibrant, and drinking well, but will become more umami-driven, honied, and weighty as the years go by. This wine should last the rest of the decade, but you can pop this bottle now, give it a quick decant, and serve it with garlic crab, scallops with herb oil, grilled swordfish, or lemon-roasted chicken. It also pairs well with goat cheese and melted gruyere. —Simi Grewal