2021 Andre Kientzler Schoenenbourg Riesling Grand Cru, Alsace

Just 300 bottles produced in a good vintage from this tiny 0.3 ha site of 60 yo vines in this south facing vineyard with notable gypsum in the soil. This site located further south in Riquewihr was purchased in 2009 by Eric Kientzler and is quickly proving to be one of the most distinguished Rieslings in the fabulous line-up of spectacularly dry and mineral Rieslings at this address.
Elegant fruity bouquet. The texture is round and complex hold by a nice acidity. Large minerality brings complexity and length. Super fine and detailed in 2021. Eric Kientzler notes that this site is “really cool, one of the last Rieslings we pick each harvest”. 13.0% Alc/Vol; 3.29 g/l RS; 9.21 g/l TA.
Between umami and yuzu, Schoenenbourg Riesling overflows with a thousand pointillist flavours: its scope and its substance signify the singularity of terroir.

95 points Le Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France, La Revue du Vin de France, 2024

The Kientzler family has been growing vines for more than 5 generations in Ribeauvillé and the surrounding area. As early as 1866, Dominique Alphonse Kientzler had inherited vines from his father and grandfather and in 1895 was involved in the creation of France’s first winemaking cooperative in Ribeauvillé, in addition to running the local grocery shop. His son Alphonse carried on the grocery business while also tending to the vines; he eventually became the Mayor of Ribeauvillé either side of World War II.

It was Alphonse’s son François though, who was the first to fully concentrate on wine production, taking himself off to Switzerland to study viticulture. By the 1970s, he was joined by his son André in the wine business and the pair undertook a massive replanting program to replace much of the old Chasselas with the noble Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer varieties.

Today, the Kientzlers farm almost 14ha of vines in Ribeauvillé, Bergheim, Hunawihr and Riquewihr, including significant parcels in the Grand Crus of Geisberg, Osterberg and Kirchberg. And in turn André handed over the reins to his sons in 2009; Thierry looks after the winemaking and Eric the commercial side of the business

One of the most talented Winemakers in Alsace…..he has Riesling and Gewürztraminer growing in prime sites and it is what he manages to do with these that ranks his wines among the very best in Alsace. Although his generic Riesling has great class and finesse, his Grand Cru Geisberg and Grand Cru Osterberg are very much finer. The Geisberg is the riper and more opulent, with a wisp of smokiness to the fruit, the Osterberg is more classic and flinty, requiring longer in bottle.

The Wines of Alsace Tom Stevenson

The Kientzler family have been part of the winemaking history of Ribeauvillé since 1699 and remain one of Alsace's most respected producers of terroir driven wines. André Kientzler helped establish the estate among the region's elite through an unwavering commitment to expressing the character of each vineyard, a philosophy that continues to define the domaine today.

Schoenenbourg is one of Alsace's most celebrated Grand Cru vineyards, rising above the medieval village of Riquewihr on a mosaic of marl, gypsum and limestone soils. The site has enjoyed a reputation for greatness for centuries, producing Rieslings of concentration, structure and extraordinary longevity. It is a vineyard that combines richness and generosity with the freshness and precision that make Alsace Riesling so compelling.

The colour is a brilliant pale straw with golden highlights. Aromas of preserved lemon, white peach and ripe grapefruit flow from the glass alongside notes of acacia blossom, chamomile and crushed stone. The palate is broad and layered, delivering waves of citrus and stone fruit wrapped around a powerful mineral core. Despite its concentration, the wine remains vibrant and energetic, finishing long, saline and beautifully balanced with hints of spice and wet limestone lingering long after the final sip.

Magnificent with lobster in saffron butter, roast pork with crackling, grilled turbot with fennel, or wild mushroom and thyme tart. While immensely enjoyable in its youth, the structure and intensity of Schoenenbourg suggest a cellar life extending comfortably through to 2045 and beyond.