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Why one of Alsace’s greatest vineyards deserves to be on every wine lover’s radar.
When people think of Alsace, they often think of grape varieties.
Riesling. Gewurztraminer. Pinot Gris. Pinot Blanc.
But there is another way to discover this remarkable region.
Through its vineyards.
Alsace is home to just 51 Grand Cru vineyards, each recognised for its exceptional terroir and its ability to produce wines of outstanding character. Among them, few names carry as much prestige as Schoenenbourg.
The Grand Cru Schoenenbourg Riesling 2020 from Domaine de la Tour Blanche is a wonderful example of why.
More than just a Grand Cru
Unlike Burgundy, where every vineyard has its own name, Alsace keeps things beautifully simple.
Most bottles are labelled by grape variety.
Only the finest vineyards are allowed to display the words Grand Cru, a designation reserved for sites that have consistently produced exceptional wines over centuries.
Schoenenbourg is one of the oldest and most respected of them all.
Its reputation dates back to the Middle Ages, when its wines were already being enjoyed by nobles and royalty throughout Europe.
A remarkable hillside
Perched above the medieval village of Riquewihr, Schoenenbourg enjoys a unique combination of sunshine, altitude and remarkably varied soils, including limestone, marl and gypsum.
These conditions allow Riesling to ripen slowly while preserving its natural freshness.
The result is a style that combines richness with elegance, generous fruit with vibrant acidity, and remarkable ageing potential.
It is a vineyard that produces wines with both power and finesse.
The Klack family’s interpretation
The Klack family of Domaine de la Tour Blanche has been making wine around Riquewihr for generations.
Their philosophy is refreshingly simple: let the vineyard speak.
Careful work in the vines and thoughtful winemaking allow each vintage to express the personality of its terroir without unnecessary intervention.
Their Grand Cru Schoenenbourg Riesling is a beautiful reflection of that approach.
A Riesling built to age
The 2020 vintage opens with aromas of citrus, white peach and delicate white flowers, supported by a subtle mineral character that slowly unfolds in the glass.
The palate is generous yet remarkably fresh, with beautiful balance and a long, lingering finish.
It is already a pleasure to drink today, but like many great Rieslings, it will continue to develop beautifully over the coming years, gaining complexity while retaining its vibrant freshness.
Why we love it at The French Paradox
Some wines introduce you to a grape.
Others introduce you to a place.
The Grand Cru Schoenenbourg Riesling 2020 does both.
It reminds us that behind every great wine region are a handful of truly exceptional vineyards, shaped by centuries of history and generations of dedicated growers.
And once you’ve discovered Schoenenbourg, you’ll never look at Alsace in quite the same way again.
Domaine de La Tour Blanche – Schoenenbourg Riesling Alscace Grand Cru 2020
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