Gérard Schueller’s Muscat d'Alsace 2022

Gérard Schueller was a pioneering figure in the world of natural wine, particularly in Alsace, where his innovative and non-conformist approach to winemaking has left a lasting legacy. His estate, Domaine Gérard Schueller & Fils, located in the small village of Husseren-les-Châteaux in the Haut-Rhin region of Alsace, has been producing wines since the 1950s. Schueller was known for his commitment to minimal intervention in the vineyard and the cellar, adhering to principles that align closely with biodynamic practices. However, he chose not to pursue certification.

The estate spans about 10 hectares and is planted with Alsatian grape varieties, including Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris. The vineyards are spread across several notable terroirs, including the Grand Cru sites of Pfersigberg and Eichberg, as well as other highly regarded lieux-dits like Bildstoecklé, known for its stony clay-limestone soils and excellent exposure.

Gérard's son, Bruno Schueller, joined the estate in 1982 and has continued to uphold his father's rigorous standards, focusing on producing wines that express the purity and intensity of the terroir. Bruno is known for his "paysan" approach, a term that reflects a deep connection to the land and a commitment to traditional, hands-on farming and winemaking methods. This approach results in wines that are often described as vibrant, original, and deeply expressive of their place of origin.

The wines of Domaine Gérard Schueller & Fils are celebrated for their complexity, minerality, and food-friendliness, characteristics that have made them favorites among enthusiasts of natural wines. Despite their often unconventional style, these wines are grounded in respect to Alsace's rich winemaking traditions while pushing the boundaries of the region's wines.

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.