Domaines Schlumberger
By Hilary Fordham, Group Wine Ambassador, DIPWSET
Domaines Schlumberger is a historic estate located in Guebwiller, a small town in the Alsace region in north east France. With a legacy dating back to 1810, and 140 ha of vineyards, half of which are in Grand Cru sites the estate is renowned for crafting exceptional wines from the region's noble varieties.
The Domaine boasts steep, terraced vineyards on the slopes of the Vosges Mountains, where the cool but sunny and dry climate and mineral-rich soils create ideal conditions for grape cultivation. Aromatic varietals like Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris thrive in this unique environment producing wines of elegance and complexity. The Domaine's commitment to traditional methods alongside modern sustainability practices ensures each bottle reflects centuries of winemaking expertise and a profound respect for the land.
Thomas Schlumberger, 7th generation and current custodian (alongside sister Severin) was in Melbourne recently meeting with trade to taste and discuss the new releases from the highly rated 2021 vintage.
The day began with a team tasting here in the Joval office where we tasted across the Les Princes Abbes range (named in homage of the Prince Abbots who cultivated the vineyards for over 1000 years).
The 'LPA' range was followed by a select tasting of wines from some of the Domaine's Grand Cru holdings including the 2020 Kitterle Riesling - a vineyard nicknamed the 'calf-breaker' due to its sheer steepness!
Trade visits included a notable stop at Bar Olivine, situated in the historic Pentridge Prison site, the tasting taking place in a renovated 'prison cell'. The venue's remarkable wine list and fit out make it a must visit!
The tour concluded at University House, where Thomas has cultivated a loyal following over the years. 40 keen tasters attended the master class where Thomas spoke at length on the individual soil characteristics and terroir of the 4 Grand Cru vineyards (Kessler, Kitterle, Spiegel and Saering).
Christian Maier, sommelier of Uni House and an Alsatian native, expertly paired each course of the Alsatian inspired dinner with a Domaine Schlumberger wine. We concluded the evening with a Vendange Tardive (late harvest) 2014 served with an apple custard tart with hazelnut crumble - the perfect finish to great day!
SHOP DOMAINE SCHLUMBERGER WINES