Riesling Grand Cru Kaefferkopf 2020 | Maurice Schoech | Alsace

Wine Identification
This is the 2020 Riesling from Domaine Maurice Schoech, produced under the Kaefferkopf Grand Cru appellation in Alsace, France. The wine represents a focused expression of this prestigious designation, sourced from a specific parcel within the Ammerschwihr area.

Origin and Winemaking
The vineyard site spans 1.5 hectares situated at an altitude of 300 meters. It benefits from a southeasterly orientation, which likely contributes to optimal sun exposure for the grapes. The soil composition is characterized by clay and granite, providing a distinct mineral foundation for the Riesling vines.

Vinification begins with a manual harvest conducted in boxes to ensure gentle handling of the fruit. The juice undergoes fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures between 20–22 ºC. This process lasts for two months. Following fermentation, the wine rests on its lees for up to six months before bottling, a technique intended to add texture and complexity without imparting oak influence.

Tasting Profile
As a white wine made from 100% Riesling, this vintage reflects the cool-climate elegance typical of Alsace’s Grand Cru sites. The combination of granite soils and lees aging suggests a palate with pronounced minerality, crisp acidity, and a rounded mouthfeel derived from the contact with yeast sediments. The stainless steel fermentation preserves the primary fruit characteristics and varietal purity, allowing the terroir to shine through without masking flavors.

Critical Reception
James Suckling awarded this wine a score of 95, indicating high critical acclaim for its quality and execution.

Overall Character
The 2020 Domaine Maurice Schoech Kaefferkopf Grand Cru stands as a refined example of Alsatian Riesling. It balances the precision of stainless steel fermentation with the structural depth provided by lees aging and mineral-rich soils. With strong critical validation, it offers a compelling profile for enthusiasts of structured, terroir-driven white wines.