Description

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
Established in Riquewihr in 1574, the Dopff family has dedicated itself to producing fine Alsatian wine for over 13 generations. A pioneering family, they were responsible for the stemmed wine bottles, which today still distinguish Alsace wines from other regions. In 1900, tenth-generation Julien Dopff was so impressed by the Champagne tastings held in Paris, he learnt the art of winemaking in Champagne for two years before returning to Alsace. After WWII, Julien Dopff strongly believed that a Crémant made from local grape varieties which reflected the terroir of Alsace should be protected. In 1976, together with five other producers, Dopff finally obtained official recognition for Crémant d’Alsace as an AOC. Their 70-hectare vineyard is situated at 300 metres elevation, nestled in the foothills of the Vosges Mountains and since 2020 they have held the HVE certification for sustainability.

THE VINTAGE:
Harvest started on 6th September 2018, with Auxerrois, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris; the Riesling grapes were harvested from 20th September. The yields were higher than the previous year and the fruit picked was in an excellent, healthy condition, due to the warm, dry ripening period throughout the summer. The fruit offers concentrated flavours, with excellent maturity.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
Schoenenbourg means ‘the beautiful hill’ and is one of the most prestigious Grand Cru classified vineyards in Alsace. Located north of Riquewihr, the vineyard runs along the rather steep south and south-eastern flanks of the hillside, at an altitude of 280 to 380 metres above sea level. The Dopff au Moulin Schoenenbourg vineyard covers 8.8 hectares. The vines are grown in water-retaining subsoils of Keuper marl, dolomite and gypsum, which are rich in fertilising agents, overlaid with fine layers of quaternary siliceous gravel, Vosges sandstone and Muschelkalk (shell-bearing limestone). Pruned according to the Guyot method with green harvests and meticulous canopy management to ensure good light penetration and air flow.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
Whole bunches were gently pneumatically pressed without crushing. Static racking of the must was followed by a slow, temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel, preserving the purity of the fruit. After the fermentation, the wine was matured in old oak casks on its fine lees for several months, adding subtle complexity.

OUR TASTING NOTE:
An elegant and expressive wine delivering notes of passion fruit, grapefruit and pineapple enveloped in a rich, full-bodied and harmonious palate. Candied citrus flavours and a zippy acidity lead to a long, dry finish.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Riesling 100%.

AWARDS:
• Gold, Sommelier Wine Awards, 2024