2021 Schoffit Alsace Old Vine Pinot Blanc / Auxerrois

John Caro

In stock

From 45-70+ year old vines, this is proper Pinot Blanc from Alsace. The soft, honeyed apple and stone fruit is delicious but restrained, so what can shine through is the beautiful texture and layers of mineral and spicy/herbal notes. Schoffit's cuvee includes the rare Auxerrois variety that traditionally shared the same name as Pinot Blanc in Alsace. An elegant wine for aperitif, fish or white meats, this is a great taste of what only European whites can do.

$29.99 in mixed 6+ or $33.99 per bottle

Overview

Grape

About 65% Auxerrois and 35% Pinot Blanc

Its Origins

Bernard Schoffit is a brilliant pioneer in Alsace’s greatest Grand Cru, Rangen de Thann. The Domaine, started by Bernard’s father Robert at 10 hectares, is situated near Colmar. 25 years ago, Bernard, then still very young, embarked on an ambitious program of buying land in Rangen, around the Clos St. Theobold. Totaling nearly 6.5 hectares, a good part of it had been abandoned because it was too steep to work. Through sheer determination and ambition, he has now reclaimed all 6.5 hectares. From these incredibly steep slopes, with incredibly low yields, he is making simply extraordinary wine from each plot he grows. Bernard’s gift for wine-making is not reserved only for his Rangen wines. Now joined by his son Alexandre in managing the Domaine, in their vineyards near Colmar they practice the same rigorous approach to yields. These yields, very old vines, and Bernard and Alexandre's guiding hands produce wines that are all marked by the following characteristics: intensity, very pure varietal character, great concentration of fruit and richness on the palate, and perfect acidity to balance and carry this weight into a long and brilliant finish. All Organic.

What The Critics Say

94/100 Wine Enthusiast, Layla Schlack (2019 vintage)

"Hay-redolent and tart-apple-laden, the nose on this wine is reminiscent of a fall day. Although light bodied and marked by electric acidity, it has a soft, round mouthfeel. Notes of apple candy, wet rocks and something piquant, like mustard, carry through into a long, well-balanced finish. This wine carries the plush apple hallmarks of a classic Alsace Pinot Auxerrois, but with a modern outlook that's defining the region these days."

92/100 James Suckling (2019 vintage)

"Very welcoming ripeness and generosity with plenty of mirabelle, but also notes of pineapple and floral honey. Succulent and creamy, but with bright acidity at the slightly salty finish. At least 85% auxerrois, the rest of the cuvee being pinot blanc from vines between 50 and 75 years of age. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold."

91/100 John Gilman (2019 Vintage)

"The 2019 Pinot Blanc “Vieilles Vignes” from Bernard Schoffit is made from a blend of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Auxerrois, with the average age of the vines fully fifty years-old. The 2019 version is a lovely wine, offering up a complex and very expressive aromatic constellation of apple, white peach, gently musky floral tones redolent of acacia blossoms and a lovely base of soil. On the palate the wine is bright, full-bodied, focused and vibrant, with a lovely core, a wisp of sweetness, zesty acids and fine length and grip on the succulent and beautifully balanced finish. This is flat out delicious wine."

Stats & Food Matching

Variety	Pinot Blanc
Region	Alsace
Closure	Cork
Volume	750ml
Maturity	2023 - 2027

This Wine Goes Well With

Taste

Delivery & Returns

We deliver throughout New Zealand and to some locations overseas. Our deliveries are made by trusted third party carriers. For further details on prices and delivery options please go to DELIVERY INFORMATION section of our site.

If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that they may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on 0800 422 767.

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