2022 Weinbach - Pinot Gris Les Caracoles (750ml)

Domaine Weinbach has been in the hands of the Faller family since the late nineteenth century, centered on the historic Clos des Capucins, a walled five-hectare vineyard built on the grounds of a ninth century monastery. The estate is currently run by Catherine Faller, continuing a legacy shaped alongside her late sister Laurence, who helped guide Weinbach to full biodynamic certification and left a lasting mark on the domaine's style before her death in 2014.

Les Caracoles takes its name from an old parcel within the Schneckentor lieu-dit, at the base of the Altenbourg hill, and was previously bottled under the name Sainte-Catherine. The vines here are forty to fifty years old and grow in clay and limestone soil that drains well but holds enough moisture to keep the fruit cool and slow-ripening. Farming follows organic and biodynamic principles, with grapes hand-picked at full maturity, gently pressed, fermented with native yeasts, and aged for about ten months in old, neutral foudres.

The wine offers ripe pear, apricot, and quince on the nose, with white flowers and a touch of baking spice. The palate is textured and layered, balancing honeyed richness with a cool limestone edge and a lightly smoky, spiced finish. It pairs nicely with roast duck, herb-crusted lamb, or a soft, washed-rind cheese.