Pinot Noir Sophie Schaal 2023

Sophie Schaal’s Pinot Noir is produced in Alsace, specifically in Hunawihr, a few kilometers north of Colmar. Here lies Domaine Schaal, which Sophie founded together with her husband after a trip to South Africa, an experience that profoundly changed both of their winemaking perspectives. In 2020, she launched her own line of labels, including this Pinot Noir. Originally from Burgundy, Sophie is well-acquainted with this grape variety, which in Alsace produces wines that are fruitier and juicier than their Burgundian counterparts, with finer tannins and more pronounced freshness.

Sophie Schaal cultivates her Pinot Noir according to organic practices, a method that allows her to preserve the purity of the grapes and the biodiversity of the soils. No chemicals or pesticides are used in the vineyard, allowing the grape variety to fully express its own characteristics as well as those of the terroir. The harvest is carried out by hand, with careful selection of the grape clusters. In the winery, alcoholic fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks, while aging continues for 10 months in oak barrels. No fining is performed during vinification, in order to preserve the identity of the grape variety and the typical elegance of Pinot Noir.

Visually, Sophie Schaal’s Pinot Noir stands out with an intense ruby red color with garnet highlights. The bouquet is complex and intense: it opens with aromas of juicy forest fruits such as blackberry, cherry, and blackcurrant, then evolves into toasted and spicy notes derived from the wood, with hints of vanilla and clove, accompanied by a subtle peppery touch and musky nuances on the finish. On the palate, it is soft and well-balanced, with delicate tannins that add depth to each sip. The finish is characterized by persistent freshness, lending elegance and lift. These qualities make it extremely versatile for food pairings, perfect for traditional game dishes as well as spicier preparations such as curry chicken