“Here’s a sleeping giant of a dry Riesling…” – James Suckling

Truly life-affirming nectar flowing through their bloodstream, GATHER AROUND. Today, we call on you to stock up on one of our favorite treats in the wine world. DRY RIESLING!

When we discovered the previous vintage of this ambrosial nectar, it vanished in a matter of hours. And that was a Révelation like no other; we had to get more of the following vintage, also a Wine Spies Exclusive! From a family with 8 generations of winemaking in their blood, with 96 points, of course, and generously priced at just $27! Where else can you find a GRAND CRU at that???

Every time we enjoy a great Riesling, we’re left dumbfounded, asking, “WHY aren’t we drinking more of this stuff?” There’s no excuse. There’s a reason why top Sommeliers and Masters of Wine all gush about the merits of Riesling. The laser-like precision and purity of fruit. The mineral intensity. The gentle whisper of (seeming) sweetness thanks to the bursting aromatics and mind-bending complexity. All that at 2/3 off by growers Vinous calls “definitely a Domaine to watch.”

Alsace is a truly magical place, one of the most beautiful wine regions on earth. Tucked in the Northeast corner of France on the German border, it has a culture that shares the best of both worlds. Its hills are dotted with technicolor, picturesque villages right out of a Disney fairytale. But, for all its enchantment, it’s developed a bit of a reputation for being overly traditional.

Enter Amélie & Charles Sparr. Both are part of winemaking families that go back many generations in Alsace. But despite hundreds of years of ancestral know-how, they are at the forefront of modern viticulture and vinification. As Vinous remarked about the duo, “Alsace, however, is in great need of more up-and-coming youngsters that change the perception of this appellation from within.” And fortunately for us, Amélie & Charles are still off the grid of most enthusiasts. Were they a bit more famous, we wouldn’t be able to offer it for anywhere near this price!

Popping the cork on this Grand Cru fully reveals their enthusiasm for the nuance and finesse of the region’s terroir. Schoenenbourg is one of the top sites for Riesling, not just in Alsace, but in the world. It has been famous since the Middle Ages, and Voltaire himself invested in a few acres around the time of the Revolutionary War.

It’s famous for a reason.

Located on a steep slope above the village of Riquewhir, the site’s combination of Southern exposure and gypsum soils lends the wine a broad mouthfeel and richness of fruit to contrast with its racy acidity and smoky, mineral-driven finish. A wine that can be contemplated on its own, but pairs with a wide variety of foods. That favorite Thai dish? Infinitely better with this alongside. Thanksgiving dinner? It’s sooner than you think! Sunday sipping with your favorite spectator sport? Absolutely ideal.

With its structure and complexity, it can easily mature, building depth and richness for decades and beyond! Seriously, how many bottles under $30 can you say that for?! We HIGHLY encourage you to hide a few of these away for as long as you can; the aging potential is tremendous if you can be patient enough.

If you can’t tell, we are incredibly excited about this wine! Pick up a few cases, some for the summer, some for the fall, some for the cellar, while you can. It will make you happy.

96 Points – James Suckling “Here’s a sleeping giant of a dry Riesling with intense dried pear aromas. Enormous power and depth on the palate, which tastes of candied orange, honey, and thick cream. Extremely concentrated in the long, very structured finish. The aromas expand and expand with aeration, confirming that this is made for the long term. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.”