Schieferkopf
Summary
Schieferkopf is Michel Chapoutier's Alsatian venture based in Bernardvillé, focusing on Riesling and traditional varieties grown in the region's distinctive schist soils across select vineyard sites. The estate applies Chapoutier's established biodynamic principles with minimal intervention winemaking, bringing fresh perspective to Alsatian winemaking through a thoughtful fusion of tradition and the Rhône producer's expertise.
Heritage & Leadership
Schieferkopf was established in 2007 as a project by Michel Chapoutier, the well-known winemaker from France's Rhône Valley. The venture began as a partnership between Chapoutier and four friends who shared his vision for creating distinctive wines from Alsace's schist soils. The name "Schieferkopf" itself translates to "hill of schist" in German, directly referencing the distinctive terroir that drew Chapoutier to this region. Initially a collaborative effort, the domain is now fully owned and operated by Maison M. Chapoutier, bringing their expertise from the Rhône to the unique growing conditions of Alsace. Based in the village of Bernardvillé, this relatively young project represents Chapoutier's commitment to exploring diverse terroirs beyond his southern French heartland.
Vineyards & Wines
Schieferkopf's vineyards are situated in and around Bernardvillé in the Alsace region, with a specific focus on sites with schist-dominant soils. The domain works primarily with traditional Alsatian varieties, with particular emphasis on Riesling, which thrives in the mineral-rich schist soils of their vineyards. Their portfolio includes both blended wines and single-vineyard expressions, with notable sites including the Lieu-dit Fels and Berg vineyards. These parcels feature the blue schist soils that give the wines their distinctive mineral character and tension. The vineyards are planted on slopes that provide optimal sun exposure and drainage, contributing to the concentration and complexity in the finished wines. Schieferkopf produces a focused range that includes dry Rieslings, Pinot Gris, and Gewürztraminer, each expressing the unique characteristics of their schist terroir.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking philosophy at Schieferkopf centers on expressing the unique character of Alsace's schist soils while applying the viticultural knowledge developed by Chapoutier in the Rhône Valley. The domain practices biodynamic farming, following the same principles that guide Chapoutier's approach across all his properties. In the cellar, winemaking is conducted with minimal intervention to preserve the pure expression of terroir. Fermentations typically occur with native yeasts, and the wines are aged primarily in neutral vessels to maintain varietal purity and site expression. This approach represents a thoughtful fusion of Alsatian winegrowing traditions with Chapoutier's established methods, resulting in wines that offer a distinctive perspective on familiar Alsatian grape varieties. The focus remains steadfastly on allowing the schist soils to speak through the wines, creating expressions that highlight minerality, precision, and sense of place.