CuvéeAlsaceWhite

Clos du Zahnacker

クロ・デュ・ザナケール

Cave de Ribeauvillé

Riesling · Pinot Gris · Gewurztraminer

About this wine

Cave de Ribeauvillé's rarest and most historic cuvée: a field blend of equal parts Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Gewurztraminer, co-harvested, co-pressed, and co-fermented from a single 1.24-hectare walled parcel within the Osterberg Grand Cru. Documented since the 8th century and exclusive to the cooperative since 1965, it shows a powerful, complex nose mixing Riesling's petrol edge, Pinot Gris's smokiness, and Gewurztraminer's rose and spice, with citrus, fig, and gunflint on a full, structured palate.

Beginner's Note

Not a beginner wine, but a bucket-list bottle — this is what happens when three grapes grow, and are made, as one.

Sommelier's Note

"Alsace's most singular terroir statement — three noble grapes, one walled parcel, one fermentation. There is nothing else quite like it in the region."

Food Pairings

A wine for special occasions — pairs with foie gras, lobster in cream sauce, and aged Munster; its richness and complexity also suit unagi kabayaki and dashi-based dishes with umami depth.

When to drink it

Milestone celebrations, collector's cellar, pairing with foie gras or aged cheese courses.

Specs

Grape Varieties
Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer
Style
White
Alcohol
14%
Price Range
approx. $60-90 retail in the US, reflecting its rarity; Japan retail typically ¥13,000-19,000 (estimated conversion from overseas market pricing, not a confirmed JP retail price)

Terroir & Winemaking

A true field blend: Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Gewurztraminer are interplanted in equal proportion in a single 1.24-hectare walled clos, harvested together, pressed together, and fermented together rather than blended after the fact; aged in large old oak foudres; production is extremely limited given the parcel's small size.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Clos du Zahnacker unique?
It is a true field blend of Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Gewurztraminer grown together, harvested together, and fermented together in a single 1.24-hectare walled parcel — a rare practice in Alsace, where most wines are single-varietal.
How old is the Clos du Zahnacker vineyard?
Documents trace the clos back to the 8th century; it takes its name from an early owner, the knight-monk Martin Zahn, and became the exclusive property of Cave de Ribeauvillé in 1965.
Is Clos du Zahnacker dry or sweet?
It is typically vinified with a touch of residual sugar (off-dry), balanced by the wine's structure and acidity; sweetness level can vary somewhat by vintage depending on ripeness.

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