Riesling Schlossberg Grand Cru 2010

Wine Description for Riesling Schlossberg Grand Cru 2010 by Trapet Alsace

Colour & Appearance

Medium straw yellow with golden reflections – a Riesling that already tells of maturity and substance in the glass.

Nose

The nose is seductive and multi-layered: caramelised apples and ripe apricots meet candied lemon and fresh ginger. A delicate hint of honey and white flowers drapes over it like a fine cloth. Despite all its opulence, the nose remains fresh and lively – power and elegance in perfect balance.

Palate

On the palate, a delicious smoothness unfolds, created by the vintage’s slightly elevated residual sugar – the 2010 presents itself as off-dry rather than the dry house standard of Trapet. Yet the precise, cutting acidity keeps everything in check and lends the wine an almost cool, mineral precision. Candied citrus fruits, stone fruits and a hint of stone fruit combine with notes of cool granite and a whisper of mint. A Riesling that unites depth with drinking pleasure.

Finish

Long, mineral and characterised by invigorating freshness. The acidity carries the wine far, the finish echoing with fine citrus spice and a hint of granite dust – unmistakably Alsatian terroir.

Terroir & Origin

The Schlossberg north of Kientzheim and Kaysersberg is one of Alsace’s most renowned Grand Cru vineyard sites. Situated at 230 to 350 metres altitude, so steep that it had to be terraced, granite, graywacke and sandstone characterise the mineral-rich soils. The northern section is influenced by the Thannenkirch granite – a terroir that produces Riesling of unmistakable precision and depth.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Pure Riesling, typically vinified dry. The vintage 2010, however, brought somewhat more natural residual sugar, making the wine softer and more accessible – without losing its tension. At 12.5 % vol. it remains pleasantly restrained in alcohol.

Food Pairing Recommendations

A versatile companion: excellent with cod ceviche with rhubarb, lime and celery, where the wine’s acidity corresponds with the freshness of the dish. Equally convincing with blue cheese with caramelised walnuts – the slight residual sweetness creates a classic harmony. The adventurous pair it with pork fillet and Bleu d’Auvergne cream.

Special Characteristics

The 2010 Schlossberg is a vintage character that deviates from the norm – and precisely for this reason it impresses. Those familiar with Trapet know the house’s biodynamic conviction. This Riesling is testimony to how an exceptional vintage can reinterpret a vineyard site. A pleasure now – with further ageing potential.