Domaines Schlumberger Riesling Grand Cru Kitterlé 2017

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Alcohol: 13,20º  Acidity: 5,24 grs/l  Resisdual sugar: 0,48 grs/l

About Domaines Schlumberger

The vineyards of Domaines Schlumberger were originally planted by the Romans and were later controlled by the Prince Abbotts of Murbach, an order of monks who established their seat at the town of Guebwiller in the southern end of Alsace. When the estates of the Abbey were put up for sale after the French Revolution, a local mill owner named Nicolas Schlumberger purchased 20 hectares.

Today, the Nicolas Schlumberger’s heirs own and cultivate a 135 hectares spread located over four miles on the steep flanks of the Vosges Mountains. The Schlumberger vineyards are the largest in Alsace, and one of the largest blocks of contiguous vineyards in France. The domaine also has the distinction of owning the largest acreage of Alsace grand cru vineyards, and references to the famous blocks of Kessler, Kitterle and Saering date back to ancient Roman times.

These impressive holdings are the result of efforts devoted over six successive generations of the Schlumberger family. Many growers gave up their property in the late 1800s as they became involved in industrial and commercial activities, leaving the vines to languish untended. In the beginning of the 20th Century, phylloxera further ravaged the vineyards, and war completed the devastation.

In 1911, Ernest Schlumberger undertook the rebuilding of not only the familial vineyards, but the whole of Guebwiller. Over the years, he pieced together more than 2,500 parcels abandoned by their owners. In time, the small domains grew from an original 20 hectares to its present 135 hectares. Today, Schlumberger wines are made exclusively from grapes grown in these estate vineyards.

The vineyards of Domaines Schlumberger were originally planted by the Romans and were later controlled by the Prince Abbotts of Murbach, an order of monks who established their seat at the town of Guebwiller in the southern end of Alsace. When the estates of the Abbey were put up for sale after the French Revolution, a local mill owner named Nicolas Schlumberger purchased 20 hectares.

Today, the Nicolas Schlumberger’s heirs own and cultivate a 135 hectares spread located over four miles on the steep flanks of the Vosges Mountains. The Schlumberger vineyards are the largest in Alsace, and one of the largest blocks of contiguous vineyards in France. The domaine also has the distinction of owning the largest acreage of Alsace grand cru vineyards, and references to the famous blocks of Kessler, Kitterle and Saering date back to ancient Roman times.

These impressive holdings are the result of efforts devoted over six successive generations of the Schlumberger family. Many growers gave up their property in the late 1800s as they became involved in industrial and commercial activities, leaving the vines to languish untended. In the beginning of the 20th Century, phylloxera further ravaged the vineyards, and war completed the devastation.

In 1911, Ernest Schlumberger undertook the rebuilding of not only the familial vineyards, but the whole of Guebwiller. Over the years, he pieced together more than 2,500 parcels abandoned by their owners. In time, the small domains grew from an original 20 hectares to its present 135 hectares. Today, Schlumberger wines are made exclusively from grapes grown in these estate vineyards.

In the Vineyard

The Grand Cru Kitterlé is asharp overhang shaped by strong arms and reinforced by fifty kilometres of walls: Kitterlé is a monument. Sunny from dusk to dawn with poor and sandy soil, this magnetic terroir produces exceptional wines.

It has a total area of 26 hectares, of which 20 hectares are owned by the Domaine Schlumberger. Its height ranges from 270 to 360 metres.

Its average yield is 25 hectolitres per hectare.

The winegrowers who worked in this plot where steep slopes can reach 50 ° gave it the local nickname of «the calf-breaker».

This volcano-sandstone terroir was first mentioned in 1699 and is marketed under its own name since 1830.

It occupies a unique site on the edge of the mountain: a rocky outcrop offering three different expositions: southwest, south, south-east, all perched on very steep slopes of up to 50°.

Due to its very poor soil, the yield cannot be important, but it flavours concentration of aromas and an exceptional ageing ability.

In the Winery

From Domaine Schlumberger:

After having been harvested, the grapes are sent to the cellar in crates. Our last-generation pneumatic presses allow very smooth pressing, ensuring the purity of the aromas.

We have 120 old oak casks (they are more than one hundred years old to avoid oak taste in the wines). These monuments in or cellar are equipped with a thermoregulation system. They are the perfect symbol of the synthesis of tradition and innovation.
We also have 80 stainless steel vats allowing strict selection by plots and producing rare cuvées. This way, freshness and fruit are perfectly maintained.

The grapes are harvested during the first days of Autumnand transported within less than 2 hours to the cellar.

No stripping (except for the Pinot Noir), the entire grapes are conveyed to the presses.

Slow and regular pneumatic pressing provides almost limpid juices. The juices are clarified using static sludge removal.

A perfectly limpid juice is put to ferment for 6 to 12 weeks, at a controlled temperature between 20°C and 23°C, in over one hundread year old oak casks.

The new wine is then racked, and it rests then for 8 to 9 months on fine lees inside the tuns.

Where in the World is Domaine Schlumberger?

Domaine Schlumberger is southern Alsace in the township of Guebwille.