Gewurztraminer 2023 | Sophie Schaal | Alsace

Sophie Schaal is a Dijon-trained oenologist who met her future husband, Alsatian winemaker Julien Schaal, while working at Paul Cluver estate in Elgin, South Africa, in 2013. Now based in Hunawihr, between Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr, Sophie launched her own label with a distinct purpose from Julien's Grand Cru négociant range: approachable AOC Alsace varietal wines made with artisan quality standards. Their shared entity, SAS Vins Schaal, operates as a négociant purchasing fruit from trusted growers on the Haut-Rhin slopes, all under certified organic farming.

Though she owns no vineyards outright, Sophie works with carefully selected parcels in the Hunawihr area. Her Riesling draws 70% of its fruit from the Grand Cru Osterberg at Ribeauvillé — deliberately declassified to AOC Alsace — while the Pinot Gris comes from deep clay soils, the Gewurztraminer from limestone terraces, and the Pinot Noir from well-exposed limestone slopes. All sourced fruit is organically farmed.

Sophie's style begins with slow whole-bunch pressing, extended cool fermentations (up to three months for some varieties) and a non-interventionist approach throughout. Riesling and Gewurztraminer rest in stainless steel to protect aromatic freshness; Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir age in French oak barrels. The Pinot Noir — the most ambitious wine in the range — undergoes a 16-day maceration with 10–15% whole bunches, ten months in oak, and is bottled unfined. The Crémant d'Alsace Extra Brut, 100% Pinot Blanc, spends more than 24 months on the lees. James Suckling named the 2022 Riesling his "Pépite of the Year 2024" with 93 points; the 2026 Guide Hachette awarded the 2023 Riesling one star, and Bettane & Desseauve rates the domaine two stars.