Domaine Weinbach Schlossberg Riesling Quintessence

About this wine

The most prestigious and concentrated sweet wine from Weinbach, from ultra-botrytised Riesling on the Grand Cru Schlossberg, produced in tiny quantities only in exceptional years.

Sommelier's Note

"The word "Quintessence" itself was coined at Weinbach — this is the domaine's rarest, most concentrated expression of botrytised Riesling from Grand Cru Schlossberg, and arguably the definitive statement of Alsatian sweet winemaking. A must-try at least once in a lifetime."

Food Pairings

Pairs exquisitely with foie gras, Roquefort and other blue cheeses, or fruit-based desserts such as tarte tatin. It also offers a striking contrast to spicy Asian cuisine or delicate Japanese dishes glazed with miso, such as saikyo-yaki black cod.

When to drink it

Perfect for milestone celebrations and anniversaries, or as a meditative wine to savor slowly after a fine dinner.

Specs

Grape Varieties

Riesling

Style

White, Sweet

Price Range

¥80,000-300,000+ (375ml, vintage-dependent; legendary vintages such as 1989 command far higher prices at auction)

Terroir & Winemaking

Made only in exceptional vintages (e.g. 1989, 2001, 2004, 2015, 2017) from hand-harvested, individually selected Riesling berries affected by noble rot (botrytis cinerea) on the Grand Cru Schlossberg's granitic soils. "Quintessence" is a term coined at Domaine Weinbach itself, first used for the 1983 vintage, and denotes the domaine's rarest, most concentrated sweet selection, above Sélection de Grains Nobles. Fermented and aged in traditional large oak foudres; residual sugar typically runs around 200-220 g/L, balanced by the naturally high acidity of Schlossberg Riesling. Bottled almost exclusively in 375ml half-bottles due to minute yields.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it taste like?

Expect an intensely concentrated nectar of spiced honey, caramelized sugar, dried apricot and candied citrus peel, layered over Schlossberg's signature granite minerality, with vibrant acidity keeping the richness in balance.

What food should I pair it with?

It shines alongside foie gras, blue cheeses like Roquefort, fruit tarts such as tarte tatin, and even contrasts beautifully with spicy dishes or miso-glazed Japanese cuisine such as saikyo-yaki.

Why is it so rare and expensive?

"Quintessence de Grains Nobles" is produced only in exceptional vintages when noble rot develops perfectly on Schlossberg, from individually hand-selected berries yielding only a tiny amount of wine, almost always bottled as 375ml half-bottles.

How long can it age?

Thanks to its high sugar and acidity, it is built to age for decades and can continue to evolve and gain complexity for 20-30 years or more.