Domaine Amelie et Charles Sparr, Riesling Grand Cru Schoenenbourg 'Revelation', 2023
Domaine Amelie et Charles Sparr, Riesling Grand Cru Schoenenbourg 'Revelation', 2023
- 75cl
- 13%
- White Still
- Riesling
- Organic
- Biodynamic
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Optimal drinking window: Now - 2050
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Est. delivery in Spring, 2026
Domaine Amelie et Charles Sparr represents the new generation of Alsatian winemaking, bringing fresh energy to their family domaine in Riquewihr. This Schoenenbourg Grand Cru comes from one of Alsace's most prestigious hillside sites, where limestone soils and perfect south-eastern exposure create Rieslings of exceptional purity and longevity.
The 2023 'Revelation' captures everything we love about great Alsatian Riesling: that thrilling balance between power and precision, where citrus-bright acidity meets emerging honeyed depth. The Schoenenbourg terroir adds its signature limestone backbone, creating a wine that's both immediately compelling and built for decades in the cellar.
Currently in its youthful phase, the 2023 shows vibrant primary fruit balanced by emerging mineral complexity. Over the next 3-5 years, the stone fruit will integrate with the limestone backbone while developing subtle honeyed notes characteristic of great Alsatian Riesling. From 2035 onwards, expect the wine to enter its mature phase, with increased textural richness and the development of classic petrol notes that mark aged Riesling at its peak. The wine should maintain its mineral core and acidity until 2050, though the fruit will gradually give way to more evolved, complex flavours. Like all great Schoenenbourg Rieslings, this has the structure to age gracefully for two decades or more.
What the critics say:
"At once bold and cool, this has so much power and tension. Aromas of mint and candied lemon peel. Very compact and structured, with a lot of salty intensity in the very long, straight finish. Matured for six months in a 50-50 mix of stainless steel and large neutral oak cask. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold."
"The 2023 Riesling Schoenenbourg Grand Cru Revelation, picked across eight parcels from this site, is golden in hue. This was made half in foudre, half in stainless steel and was blended before bottling. Tender, scented touches of dried lemon balm and citronella are still bound up with a touch of flint, resulting in a beautifully lifted, fresh and appetizing nose. The palate also reflects this aromatic brightness, emanating a cool, gentle smoothness. There is a skip in its step, a certain ease and yet so much lovely depth. (Bone-dry)"
Tasting Notes
AppearancePale gold with brilliant clarity and a slight green shimmer at the rim.
NoseWhite peach and lime zest leap from the glass, followed by wet limestone and a hint of white flowers. There's an almost saline quality that speaks to the Schoenenbourg terroir, with subtle notes of green apple and crushed herbs building in the background.
PalateThe attack is precise and mineral-driven, with electric acidity framing concentrated stone fruit flavours. The limestone soils express themselves through a distinctive chalky texture, while honeyed richness begins to emerge on the mid-palate. The wine has serious weight without losing its crystalline purity, building to impressive intensity.
FinishLong and mineral-laced, with citrus pith and wet stone persistence that seems to go on forever.
Overall impressionA Grand Cru Riesling that perfectly balances immediate pleasure with serious cellaring potential.
Food Pairings
In Alsace, this would be the perfect match for choucroute garnie, where the wine's acidity cuts through the richness of the sauerkraut and pork while its minerality complements the dish's savoury complexity. Local cooks would also pair it with freshwater fish from the Rhine, particularly pike-perch in a cream sauce, or the region's famous tarte flambée. The wine's precision makes it ideal for foie gras, a regional specialty, while its limestone backbone stands up beautifully to the strong flavours of Munster cheese. During truffle season, locals might serve it alongside simple preparations that let both the wine's minerality and the truffle's earthiness shine.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 10-12°C to preserve the wine's crystalline precision and allow its mineral complexity to unfold gradually as it warms. No decanting is necessary for the 2023, though the wine benefits from 30 minutes in the glass to fully open. Use proper Riesling glasses with a smaller bowl to concentrate the aromatics, or good-quality white wine glasses with sufficient height to capture the wine's evolving bouquet. This style rewards patience in the glass, revealing new layers of complexity as it breathes.
Schoenenbourg is one of Alsace's most celebrated Grand Cru sites, located on steep south-eastern facing slopes above Riquewihr. The vineyard sits at 265-380 metres elevation on limestone-rich soils with significant marl deposits, providing excellent drainage while retaining enough moisture for the vines. This combination of altitude, exposure, and calcareous soils creates ideal conditions for Riesling, producing wines with intense minerality and remarkable longevity. The limestone bedrock imparts the distinctive saline edge that defines great Schoenenbourg Rieslings.
Alsace Grand Cru represents the pinnacle of Alsatian winemaking, covering 51 classified vineyard sites across the region. Schoenenbourg, classified in 1975, is restricted to Riesling and Pinot Gris, with strict yield limits and harvest regulations ensuring quality. Unlike most French appellations, Alsace Grand Cru wines are labelled by grape variety, reflecting the region's focus on varietal expression shaped by specific terroir. The appellation requires hand-harvesting and prohibits chaptalization, ensuring wines that truly reflect their vineyard origins.
The 2023 vintage in Alsace unfolded as a tale of two halves, with a challenging spring giving way to one of the most glorious summers the region has seen in years. Early season rains tested growers' patience, but the weather turned decisively in July and stayed brilliant through harvest. The extended sunshine allowed for slow, even ripening whilst retaining the crisp acidity that makes Alsace wines so compelling.
What emerged from the cellars shows remarkable purity and precision across the board. The Rieslings crackle with energy, displaying that mineral backbone we love whilst offering surprising approachability for such a structured vintage. Gewürztraminer delivered its usual aromatic fireworks but with more restraint than usual, and the Pinot Gris strikes a lovely balance between richness and freshness. Most 2023s are drinking beautifully now and should continue to develop until 2030, though the finest Grand Cru bottlings will reward patience well beyond that.
FAQs
What does this Riesling taste like?
Crystalline and mineral-driven, with white peach, lime, and distinctive limestone character from the Schoenenbourg terroir. It balances electric acidity with emerging honeyed richness.
When should I drink this wine?
Delicious now for those who love young Riesling's vibrant fruit, but will reward patience until 2045-2050 as it develops classic aged complexity.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Perfect with rich Alsatian dishes like choucroute garnie, freshwater fish in cream sauces, or foie gras. The minerality also complements shellfish and strong cheeses beautifully.
How should I serve this wine?
Serve chilled at 10-12°C in proper Riesling glasses. No decanting needed, but give it 30 minutes in the glass to fully open up.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
Absolutely. Grand Cru Schoenenbourg Rieslings are built for aging, and this 2023 will develop increased complexity and classic petrol notes over the next 15-20 years.
What makes Schoenenbourg special?
It's one of Alsace's most prestigious Grand Cru sites, with limestone-rich soils and perfect exposition that create Rieslings of exceptional minerality and longevity.
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