Description
From: Colmar, Alsace, France
Varietal: Chasselas
Taste: This is a pale straw hue with subtle golden highlights in the glass. Its clarity is impeccable, indicating the precision of its winemaking. The wine is refined and expressive on the nose, offering a bouquet that evolves with aeration. Initial aromas include ripe white peach, pear, and crisp green apple, underscored by delicate jasmine, elderflower, and dandelion floral notes. As it opens, layers of citrus zest—lemon and tangerine—emerge, accompanied by a subtle mineral backbone that evokes wet river stones.
Pairing: Seafood options such as crab-stuffed soles with fresh mint sauce complement the wine’s crisp citrus notes, while its floral and herbal nuances harmonize with the freshness of the mint and sweetness of the crab. Steamed mussels with garlic and herbs also pair seamlessly, as the wine’s minerality mirrors the brininess of the mussels. Sushi or sashimi is another excellent match, with the wine’s clean and refreshing profile enhancing raw fish's subtle flavors and textures. Vegetarian dishes such as a zucchini and goat cheese tart or asparagus risotto pair seamlessly with the wine’s brightness. At the same time, roasted cauliflower with tahini and pine nuts draws out its savory and slightly bitter undertones. For poultry and light meats, herb-roasted chicken and veal piccata are ideal choices, with the wine’s citrus and herbal notes enhancing the flavors of these dishes. Cheese lovers can enjoy this Chasselas with Comté or Gruyère, whose nutty and slightly salty characteristics align with the wine’s minerality, or with fresh goat cheese, where the tanginess is perfectly balanced by the wine’s acidity and floral aromas.
Crab-Stuffed Sole With Fresh Mint Sauce
By Molly O'Neill
About: The story of Domaine Schoffit began in the village of Colmar with Robert Schoffit, who founded the estate in the 1950s. Initially focusing on small-scale production, Robert’s passion for winemaking and vision for crafting terroir-driven wines quickly earned the winery a reputation for quality. The estate passed to his son, Bernard Schoffit, who brought a new level of ambition and innovation to the winery during the 1980s and 1990s.
Bernard Schoffit is widely credited with elevating the domaine’s stature, mainly through his pioneering efforts to revive the Grand Cru vineyards of Rangen de Thann and develop vineyards in other exceptional terroirs. Under his leadership, the estate expanded its holdings and embraced meticulous vineyard management practices to maximize the potential of its grapes.