Bernard and Fabienne Schoffit have a growing reputation as one
of the stars of Alsace. While not as
highly recognized as the famous domaines of Trimbach, Weinbach and
Zind-Humbrecht, the Schoffit family domaine produces wines that are practically
in the same league, but at around half the price of similar offerings from the
big names. Domaine Schoffit is located
in the eastern outskirts of Alacse’s capital, Colmar, and the wines are in the
modern, fully-ripened style with weight and texture, and often a degree of
residual sweetness, more from fruit richness than sugar. Concentration from old vines and low yields
completes the picture. Though with
holdings in the grand crus of Rangen and Sclossberg, much of the output comes
from the special lieux-dit of ‘Harth’, which yields superlative wine despite
its unfashionable location on the flat land encroached by commercialization. We review the following wines and recommend
them highly:
Schoffit Alsace Pinot
Gris ‘Tradition’ 2007
Light pale gold in colour, this is a big wine with 14.5%
alc. Full and dense with musky, yellow
stonefruit aromas and flavours, the fruit is enrichened by its off-dry palate
and lush honied characters. Overall, the
minerally, spiced pear varietal expression remains true and steadfast. Smoke and earth nuances unfold in the
glass. A little alcoholic heat comes
through, but enjoyed in its proper context, with textural foods, this is of
little consequence and in fact adds to its versatility and robustness. Textbook Pinot Gris that many New Zealand
producers would do well to imitate.
Schoffit Alsace
Gewurztraminer ‘Cuvee Caroline’ Lieu-Dit ‘Harth’ 2007
Brilliant pale golden yellow in colour. This is a wonderfully elegant and aromatic
wine with an ethereal spice lift to the bouquet that makes it quite a
sensation. Off dry, this has a luscious
palate of florals, spices, honey and creaming soda. Rich, warm, satisfying and with real
concentration, yet intriguingly refined for a variety prone to broadness and
coarseness. The wine is irresistible now
and will match a diverse range of cuisine from Asian to Mediterranean. Its 14.9% alc. is in total balance and
unobtrusive. Enjoy now and over the next
5 years.
We also have in stock the Schoffit
Alsace ‘Old Vines’ Pinot Blanc 2007 made from vines that are 40-60
y.o. This is a top example of what this
‘workhorse Alsace variety can do. And
the Schoffit Alsace Riesling 2007,
an excellent wine that counterpoints the German Mosel style with its higher
alcohol, body, opulence, lower acidity, fuller textures and food matching
ability.