Domaine Roland Schmitt Pinot Blanc 2023

Domaine Roland Schmitt, based in Bergbieten in Alsace, France, has produced wine since the 17th century. The estate is now managed by Julien and Bruno Schmitt, the sons of the late Roland Schmitt, who tragically passed away in 1993. The winery is known for its commitment to organic viticulture, having converted fully to organic practices in 1999. Their vineyards are located in a unique terroir in the Bas-Rhin, with soils rich in clay, marl, and gypsum, contributing to their wines' distinctive minerality.

Domaine Roland Schmitt produces a range of wines, with Riesling, Pinot Blanc, and Gewürztraminer among their standout offerings. Their wines, including the renowned Altenberg de Bergbieten Grand Cru, are known for their balance, freshness, and ability to age. The estate is also famous for its Crémant d'Alsace and late-harvest wines.

The Schmitts emphasize minimal intervention in both the vineyard and the cellar, using indigenous yeasts and low levels of sulfites. Their wines are celebrated for their clarity of fruit and vibrant acidity, making them popular in local Alsatian markets and beyond.

The Alsace wine region, located in northeastern France along the Rhine River, is renowned for its exceptional wines. This region stretches from Marlenheim in the north to Thann in the south, encompassing a diverse landscape influenced by French and German cultures. The Vosges Mountains to the west create a rain shadow effect, making Alsace one of the driest wine regions in France. It also has a unique microclimate that is ideal for viticulture.

Alsace's vineyards cover approximately 15,500 hectares and produce wines under three main appellations: Alsace AOC, Alsace Grand Cru AOC, and Crémant d'Alsace AOC. The Alsace AOC includes a variety of white, rosé, and red wines. At the same time, Alsace Grand Cru AOC designates the region's top-quality vineyard sites, focusing primarily on four noble grape varieties: Riesling, Pinot Gris, Muscat, and Gewurztraminer. Crémant d'Alsace, the region's sparkling wine, follows traditional Champagne methods and primarily uses Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Riesling grapes.

Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat are the cornerstone grapes of Alsace, known for producing aromatic and expressive wines. The region also produces notable Pinot Noir wines, typically lighter in style than those from Burgundy. However, warmer summers are leading to more robust expressions of this grape.

The Alsace Wine Route, established in 1953, spans 170 kilometers and offers a picturesque journey through charming villages, medieval towns, and stunning vineyards. Key stops along the route include Strasbourg, Ribeauville, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, and Colmar, each offering unique cultural and historical experiences and opportunities to taste and explore the region's diverse wines.