Domaine Schlumberger Pinot Blanc “Les Princes Abbes” 2021

The family of Schlumberger comes from Souabe, a German region today a part of Bade Wurtemberg. Claus Schlumberger was the first to settle in Guebwiller in the 16th century under the period of the monks “The Princes Abbés”, Clerics rule of Souabe. Several generations later, Nicolas Schlumberger relocated from Mulhouse to Guebwiller in 1810 where he created a factory of fabric machines. He also bought 20 hectares of vineyard and enlarged the cellars, which began the family’s business in winemaking.

The business now positions itself as a 100 % estate winegrower. The winery vinify exclusively their own harvest, without purchasing any grapes, juice, or wines. A feat that only one in five Alsatian wine producers can match. The very core of these vineyards, is located on the dizzy heights of the hills of Guebwiller, in southern Alsace, with slopes reaching 50°. And at an altitude going from 250 to 390 metres, these vineyards are among the most breathtaking in Alsace. Its excellent southwest, south, south east exposure ensures it perfect sun exposure. Guebwiller is the only spot in Alsace producing 4 Grands Crus. Half of all the vineyards, around 70 hectares, consists of these unique “terroirs”.

The Pinot Blanc that is planted near Saering is not originating from the Bourgogne region but comes from Northern Italy. It was first introduced by the Anglo-Saxons. The practice of viticulture is commonly found throughout German-speaking regions. The French then also discovered it gradually and they began to appreciate this wine for its qualities of freshness, suppleness and its food-friendliness.

Fruits used in producing this wine came from Saering & Spiegel as well as the localities of Bux and Bollenberg.

According to Alsatian regulations, fruits used in making this wine are 100% Pinot Blanc. After the hand harvest, the fruits go into pneumatic pressing, static racking. Fermentation in thermo-regulated tuns for one to four months. Then the wine matures for seven months on fine lees, before being bottled.

Despite the gentleness on the nose,  the palate in the mouth is slender and near full-bodied. As flavour unfolds on the tongue, the wine evolves on an incisive, sharp, saline, at medium intensity. The aromas on the nose, are still dominated by golden apple, Nashi pear, white
flowers, fresh mushroom and pleasant smokiness. There is a hint of bitterness like what raw almond offers.