FOCUS ON... DOMAINE STENTZ-BUECHER

01/07/2021
We hope that you, like us, took advantage of English Wine Week last month as an opportunity to revisit some local favourites, and discover some new wines from the UK. However, wine is truly an international product, and so for July we are headed back to France (not literally, more's the pity) to look at one of our favourite producers from Alsace.

Alsace is tucked away in the northeast corner of France, where it borders both Germany and Switzerland; and over the centuries it has been belonged to both France and Germany resulting in a culture - and wines - that reflect both of these countries' traditions. Lovers of aromatic wines will have a field day here - and if you happen to enjoy a dry Riesling, then this is a mecca for you. The area produces 90% white wines, mostly from their ‘noble’ grapes of Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Muscat, but the cool dry climate and low use of oak means they also produce some beautifully fruit-forward Pinot Noirs.

As well as a mix of cultures and languages, Alsace also is home to a real mix of soils - there are thirteen different soil styles present in the region, which means that terroir is to the fore here.

Domaine Stentz-Buecher is located in Wettolsheim, which is right in the heart of the Alsace wine region, and was established in Alsace in 1975 - so will be approaching fifty years soon! As the name suggests, it is the result of two families coming together (both individually from their own heritage of wine making) to found the Domaine. From beginning life with only 4 hectares, now in 2021 the Domaine has tripled in size and controls 13 hectares of vineyards - 85% of which are on hillsides, where the most desirable soils are found.

It is still a family-run enterprise - Jean-Jacques Stentz is in charge of the vineyards, Stéphane Stentz is responsible for the wine-making (with support from his father Simone) and Stéphane's sister Céline looks after the commercial side of the winery, running all sales and communications. Their wine-making philosophy is a simple one, based on a love of nature and a respect for the soils of Alsace. They allow the vines to grow and the wine to age as naturally as possible, with hand harvested grapes and a minimal level of intervention. They do not use any pesticides, fertilizers or chemical products; and have been certified AB * (Organic Agriculture) by Ecocert.

We have just shipped more wines from Domaine Stentz-Buecher this month, including Grand Cru Gewurztraminer, Grand Cru Riesling and some older Pinot Noirs – they're all sensational wines. Have to pick just one? Try the Riesling - it's what the region is famous for.

To encourage you in your experimentation, we are applying a 10% discount on all Stentz-Buecher wines for the month of July. Snap them up today!

Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Hengst
Aromas of lychees and ginger with a smoky herbal note. On the palate it has rich tannins and a powerful structure yet it is not heavy. It has a luscious harmonious finish.

Riesling Grand Cru Steingrubler
The nose opens with floral notes followed by aromas of mango and citrus fruits which follow through on the taste.
Well structured balanced and satisfying with a lovely freshness.

Pinot Noir 'Unfiltered'
Great Organic Wine . Pinot Noir is the only red wine authorized to be grown in the Alsace area.This wine has aromas of cherries, strawberries and raspberries with supple, soft tannins but also a great depth of flavour.

Pinot Noir Tradition
After 15-20 days maceration the grapes are fermented with punching down twice a day to make sure the juice is in constant contact with the skin. This ensures good colour, tannins and depth. Stephane Stentz believes that punching down is better than pumping over in terms of protecting fresh, primary fruit aromas. The wine is then aged in old oak barrels. This Tradition Pinot Noir is gently filtered before bottling, again to conserve and protect primary aromas.

Pinot Noir Granit
Unfiltered and sulphur-free, this wine has been aged in barrels for more than 15 months. It has a large body, which gives a good length, and features aromas of sour cherries and black cherries. A red from Alsace that finds its place in the middle of wines of very great age.