Even in Alsace, with so many profoundly dedicated producers like Zind-Humbrecht and Marcel Deiss, few estates match the prestige of Domaine Weinbach. The property's heart is the historic Clos des Capucins, originally planted in 1612 by Capuchin monks on sandy granite soils. Following the French Revolution, the government seized the monastery and vineyards, eventually selling them to the Faller family in 1898.

Under the stewardship of five generations of the Faller family, Weinbach has risen to become Alsace's most respected producer. They've practiced organic farming since the beginning and transitioned to biodynamics in 1998, and were certified by Demeter in 2005—a reflection of their commitment to expressing the voice of the soil with total clarity.

“Cuvée Colette” comes from the lower slopes of the Grand Cru Schlossberg, where 40+ year-old Riesling vines sink their roots deep into brown, pebbly soils atop granite bedrock. The steep, south-facing aspect ensures optimal sun exposure for this late-ripening variety, while the excellent drainage and rapid soil warming create perfect conditions for Riesling that balances power with remarkable finesse.

In the cellar, winemaking is deliberately minimal: hand-harvested whole clusters are gently pressed, then fermented with indigenous yeasts in neutral oak foudres, where the wine ages for 11 months before bottling. The result is Riesling in its most noble form—precise, mineral-driven, and built for decades of development.

Why You'll Love It

• Perfect structure and balance: With just a brushstroke of residual sugar and incredible fruit expression, this is as good as dry Riesling from Alsace gets.
  

• Aromatic complexity: White flowers and stone fruits are arrayed with citrus zest, in a gorgeous bouquet that continues to evolve in the glass with air.
  

• EXCEPTIONAL aging potential: Though approachable now, this wine will develop magnificently through 2040, gaining complexity and nuance with each passing year.
  

• Rare opportunity: With only 975 cases produced, and SommSelect securing the first US allocation, this is your chance to acquire one of Alsace’s most collectible whites.

How to Serve It

• Serve at 48-52°F in high-quality white wine stems
  

• Drink now (with a brief decant) through 2040
  

• Pair with elegant seafood dishes—try pan-seared scallops with brown butter and capers, or a classic Alsatian pike quenelle in cream sauce