Chapoutier is one of the oldest wine producers in the Rhone Valley with a history that dates back to 1808. For the last two hundred years, the estate has been producing some of the greatest wines in the Rhone Valley. Quality improved and Chapoutier gained international recognition under Michel Chapoutier’s leadership. The massive negociant and winery produces single-vineyard expressions and classic wines from a range of appellations in the north and south of the valley. Today, their range also includes wines from some Roussillon appellations as well as projects in Portugal and Australia.
Michel Chapoutier, a great lover of Alsace wines, dreamt of acquiring his own domaine and creating premium and ultra premium wines. He discussed it with four wine-loving friends and in 2006, they agreed to make a fine Riesling in Alsace together.
In 2009, the “Club of 5” finally set up on 5 hectares in Le Felsberg in Bernardville, near Reichsfeld. The vineyards, planted on steep slopes, were worked diligently and meticulously. This terroir is unique in Alsace: the only terroir in Alsace composed of blue schist, located in the highest vineyards in the region (1,250 feet) and facing directly south. It is believed that vines were planted there in the 12th century by Cistercian monks, master winemakers who knew all about the importance of terroir.
The soil, made up of blue schist and variable amounts of quartz inclusions depending on the parcel, particularly suits Riesling and the first bottles of Schieferkopf were released in 2011. Today, six Alsace AOC wines, including three single vineyard selections, deliver their finest expressions.