Château de Riquewihr Dopff & Irion has just expanded its export portfolio to the U.S. with the addition of three wines from its premium range: Grand Cru Schoenenbourg Riesling, Grand Cru Vorbourg Pinot Gris, and Crémant d’Alsace Elegance Cuvée Prestige. All three wines are now available with limited allocation through the brand’s importer, Dreyfus, Ashby & Co. Both Grand Crus are sourced directly from the Château’s vineyards in historic Riquewihr and excellent representations of the region’s terroir. All three wines have won several international awards, with the 2013 Grand Cru Schoenenbourg Riesling capturing the title of Best Riesling in the World (Jancis Robinson Riesling Trophy) by the IWSC last November.

“We aim to showcase both the quality and authenticity of our wines as our brand continues to grow in the U.S.,” commented Frédéric Raynaud, CEO of Dopff & Irion. “We’ve established a strong place in the market with our Crustacés, Crémant d’Alsace Brut Rose, and our Cuvée Rene Dopff wines. It has opened the door for us to bring some of the best of Alsace to America through our Grand Crus, prized for intense concentration of fruit and expressive terroir.”

The Dopff & Irion Grand Cru Schoenenbourg Riesling is made from 100% Riesling grapes that are exclusively hand-picked at harvest.  During production, the wine matures on fine lees for a period of four months prior to stocking in stainless steel for nine months before bottling. The wine is aged in the bottle before being released, yielding a wine that touts an intense green-gold color with aromas of curry and saffron and a well-matted palate.

Situated in the southern part of the winegrowing area of Alsace, the Grand Cru Vorbourg Pinot Gris comes from one of the driest climates within the region. Because of the this, the wine showcases intensity in color, on the nose, and in the mouth. A golden robe with complex spices like cumin and smoked almond are balanced with salinity on the palate and a long, peppery finish.

A gastronomic Crémant, the Elegance Cuvée Prestige is best enjoyed as an aperitif, a complement to light seafood and soft cheese, or fruit-forward desserts. 47% Pinot Blanc, 47% Auxerois and 4% Chardonnay, the wine undergoes a slow maturation process over the course of 24 months that presents persistent pelage and dominant notes of brioche with a long citrus finish.

“Alsace is certainly growing in popularity and respect as one of the best wine regions in France for quality and value,” remarked John Caruso, President, and CEO of Dreyfus, Ashby & Co., the brand’s importer. “For a long-esteemed house such as Dopff & Irion to bring Grand Crus to the U.S. for $30 and under is remarkable, and we’re incredibly enthusiastic about seeing what these wines can do in the market.”

Château de Riquewihr Dopff & Irion wines are imported by Dreyfus, Ashby & Co. in New York, NY. The Grand Cru Schoenenbourg Riesling 2011 has an SRP of $28.00, the Grand Cru Vorbourg Pinot Gris 2009, $30.00, and the Crémant d’Alsace Elegance Cuvée Prestige NV, $25.00. All are available with exclusive allocation in the markets they are sold. For more information, visit http://www.dreyfusashby.com/dopff-irion/#cb.

ABOUT DOPFF & IRION

Château de Riquewihr Dopff & Irion was founded by René Doff in 1945 in Riquewihr, Alsace. The company is based in the historic Château de Riquewihr built in 1549, having vineyard holdings of 32 hectares, 25% of which is designated as Grand Cru. The company also owns the Clos Château d’Isenbourg, a 4-hectare terrace vineyard completely surrounded by 7-foot high walls.

Read More at source: Wine Industry Advisor