HISTORY OF DOMAINE: The first vineyards to form the Schleret domaine were acquired around the turn of the 20th century by the grandfather of Charles Schleret. The domaine was developed more intensely upon the ascension of Charles Schleret as "patron" in 1950. He has to this point accumulated 7 hectares of vineyards, all exclusively within the confines of the town of Turckheim. The major part of these holdings are more specifically located in the highly regarded "Herrenweg" vineyard and the Grand Cru designated "Brand" vineyard.

COMPOSITION OF DOMAINE: All classic varietals of Alsace are found in the Schleret vineyards: Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Tokay Pinot Gris, and Muscat. The Herrenweg vineyard, south of Turckheim, is characterized by well-drained alluvial, silt and granite soil that lies on relatively level land where it benefits from exceptionally long hours of sunshine. The soil warms very quickly which leads to precocious growth and homogenous ripening.

Approximately 30% of the total production is composed of Riesling and Gewurztraminer. Average annual production is approximately 50,000 bottles. However, in a year like 1995 marked by low yields and late harvest wines, production can drop to as little as 25,000 bottles. Average harvest levels range from 40 to 60 hectoliters per hectare depending on varietal and vintage conditions. The plantings of Muscat are exclusively in old vines with an average age of 45 years.

METHOD OF VINIFICATION: The process of making great wine at Domaine Charles Schleret starts with a rigorous selection of planting sites to properly match cepage with terroir. At the time of harvest, grapes are destemmed, then crushed in the most delicate manner possible to achieve ultimate finesse. Fermentation is thermo-regulated and occurs in stainless steel tanks at low temperature to preserve maximum bouquet and varietal character. All wines are filtered gently and then bottled, normally in June and July of the year following harvest. In vintages where climatic conditions are favorable, Charles Schleret conducts late harvests of Gewurztraminer and Tokay Pinot Gris and, on rare occasion, Riesling. Schleret effects exquisitely precise renditions of each varietal that provide textbook insight into the classic character of each wine.