A family, a village, and the pure expression of Alsace through three great grape varieties
Some wine regions feel almost self-contained, as if everything needed for great wine is concentrated into a small, perfectly defined landscape. Alsace is one of those places. And within Alsace, few villages capture its charm and precision quite like Riquewihr, where the wines of Domaine de la Tour Blanche are crafted by Daniel and Estelle Klack.
At The French Paradox, we are always drawn to estates where family, place, and grape varieties come together with clarity. The Klacks’ wines are exactly that: expressive, honest, and deeply rooted in their surroundings.
A family estate in the heart of Alsace
Domaine de la Tour Blanche is a family-run estate, led by Daniel and Estelle Klack, who continue a tradition of small-scale, hands-on winemaking in Riquewihr. In Alsace, family domaines are not just common — they are essential to the identity of the region. Each generation refines the work of the previous one, always with the same goal: to let the vineyard speak as clearly as possible.
There is a quiet precision in their approach. The focus is not on winemaking intervention, but on allowing each grape variety to fully express its personality, shaped by the unique mosaic of soils and microclimates that define Alsace.
Alsace – a region of purity and precision
Alsace is one of the most distinctive wine regions in France. Protected by the Vosges mountains, it benefits from a dry, sunny climate that allows grapes to ripen slowly and fully, while retaining remarkable freshness.
Unlike many other French regions, Alsace wines are typically varietal — meaning each wine is made from a single grape variety. This makes clarity essential: the identity of the grape, the soil, and the vineyard must all be visible in the glass.
From dry, mineral Riesling to aromatic Gewurztraminer and textured Pinot Gris, Alsace offers a rare combination of aromatic intensity and structural precision.
Gewurztraminer 2024 – aromatic generosity
The Gewurztraminer 2024 from Domaine de la Tour Blanche is a perfect introduction to the expressive side of Alsace. This is a grape that is instantly recognisable, known for its intense aromatic profile and exotic character.
In this vintage, the wine shows layers of floral and spicy notes, with hints of lychee, rose petals, and subtle tropical fruit. Yet despite its aromatic richness, it remains balanced, never feeling heavy or excessive.
It is a wine that speaks immediately, full of personality and charm, ideal for aromatic dishes or simply as a wine that stands confidently on its own.
Pinot Gris 2022 – depth and texture
The Pinot Gris 2022 offers a very different expression. Where Gewurztraminer is expressive and lifted, Pinot Gris tends to be more structured and textured.
This wine is shaped by ripe orchard fruit, gentle spice, and a slightly smoky undertone that adds complexity. The 2022 vintage brings maturity and depth, giving the wine a rounder, more contemplative profile while maintaining freshness.
It is a wine that feels grounded and versatile, working beautifully with richer dishes or more savoury cuisine.
Riesling – precision in two expressions
If there is one grape that defines Alsace at its most precise, it is Riesling. At Domaine de la Tour Blanche, it appears in two distinct expressions.
The Riesling 2024 is crisp, direct, and highly expressive of freshness. It shows citrus, green apple, and a strong mineral backbone — a wine of clarity and energy, built around tension and precision.
The Riesling Grand Cru “Schoenenbourg” 2020, however, moves into a different dimension. Coming from one of Alsace’s most prestigious vineyard sites, it has greater depth, complexity, and ageing potential. The fruit is more layered, the structure more pronounced, and the finish longer and more saline.
Here, Riesling becomes something more profound — still precise, but with added intensity and resonance.
A region, a family, a clear identity
What makes the wines of Daniel and Estelle Klack so compelling is not just their individual quality, but the way they reflect a unified vision. Whether it is Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, or Riesling, each wine feels like part of the same language — one built on purity, balance, and respect for the vineyard.
In a region as expressive as Alsace, clarity is everything. Domaine de la Tour Blanche captures this beautifully, offering wines that are both approachable and deeply rooted in their origin.
They are wines that do not need to be decoded — they simply need to be tasted, shared, and enjoyed.
Domaine de La Tour Blanche Schoenenbourg Riesling Alscace Grand Cru 2020
Recent Comments