Product Information:
Theo is the most inviting, coming from low-cropping sand and gravel in the Clos des Capucins. Juicy, concentrated, and refined.
This vineyard is a monopole, taking its name from the Capuchin friars who arrived in the area in 1619—at the base of the celebrated Schlossberg hill, home to top Grand Cru. Clos des Capucins is well protected from winds by the surrounding hills and walls. The soils are sand, alluvial pebbles and granitic gravel.
The low-cropping vines typically offer up a supple and pithy Riesling that is wonderfully accessible when young - a reflection of these sandy soils. As with all Weinbach dry Rieslings, this was pressed as whole bunches, fermented without any yeast additions, and matured in very old oak casks for, in this case, 10 months.
Maker:
Domaine Weinbach is celebrated as one of Alsace's top producers and, by extension, one of the finest aromatic estates globally. Despite its acclaim, it remains refreshingly modest. Under the stewardship of the Faller sisters, Catherine and Laurence, the Domaine manages 27 hectares of predominantly Grand Cru vineyards, including the renowned Schlossberg. Since 2005, they have embraced biodynamic farming. Domaine Weinbach’s wines, known for their power and purity, rank among the best aromatic whites available today. They offer exceptional quality at a price comparable to top white Burgundies and premium German Rieslings.
Positioned at the base of the grand Schlossberg hill, Domaine Weinbach’s "wine stream," named after the small stream that runs through it, was originally built by Capuchin monks in 1612. After being sold as national property during the French Revolution, the Estate was acquired in 1898 by the Faller brothers, who passed it on to their son and nephew, Théo. A prominent figure in Alsace, Théo Faller was a outspoken promoter for the recognition of Alsace wines as an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée and dedicated himself to enhancing the Estate’s quality and terroir.
From 1979, Théo's wife Colette and daughters Catherine and Laurence continued his legacy with a steadfast commitment to excellence. Since 2016, Catherine Faller, alongside her sons Eddy and another Théo, has been at the helm, perpetuating the Domaine’s tradition of producing exceptional Alsace wines.
Vineyard:
The 2022 releases from Domaine Weinbach underscore the estate’s brilliance. The growing season was notably dry and warm, with no disease pressure affecting the pristine fruit. While the dryness was manageable and did not lead to drought conditions, yields were lower than average. This reduction, however, resulted in wines of remarkable concentration and vibrant fruit flavours. Domaine Weinbach’s wines are renowned for their longevity and consistent high standards, a tradition that has been upheld for decades.
Lovers of this domain can expect intoxicating, dense and iridescent dry Rieslings, crafted from both low-yielding Clos des Capucins and lofty throne of Schlossberg, Alsace's first recognised Grand Cru. Not to mention, the savoury Gewürztraminer showing heightened elegance from the steep, limestone and clay slopes of the Furstentum hillside. These are truly timeless wines—worthy of investing in now to enjoy their rewards in the years to come.
Nose - Juicy, Stonefruit, Fresh Almond
A wealth of stone fruit and fresh almond aromas.
Palate - Zestful Lemon, Mandarin, Taut
A touch of mandarin oranges. At once juicy, concentrated and refined.
Finish - Subtle Lemon Pith, Balanced, Lengthy
Stunning balance and finesse at the very long, silky finish.
At once juicy, concentrated and refined, this is stunning wine that is intended for more or less everyday drinking. A wealth of stone fruit and fresh almond aromas, plus a touch of mandarin oranges. Stunning balance and finesse at the very long, silky finish. - Stuart Pigott, Jamessuckling.com, 94 Points.
The 2022 Riesling Cuvée Théo is picked very close to the winery in the Clos des Capucins on granitic sand. The nose is fragrant with lemon, bright, light, beautifully taut and lemony. It's juicy with the ripeness of 2022 but oh so fresh and lemony on the finish. (Bone-Dry) - Anne Krebiehl MW, Vinous
The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Riesling
Country - France
Region - Alsace
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.5%
