Sylvaner Kurschels - Grand Premier Cru

The Sylvaner 2024 from Domaine Schram is a wine that can almost be seen as a cultural statement. At a time when this grape variety had nearly disappeared from Luxembourg, the estate decided to revive it, out of conviction and with the goal of preserving a piece of wine tradition. As early as 1984, Silvaner vines were newly planted in the Kurschels site, one of the best vineyards of the former commune of Wellenstein, now part of Schengen. Kurschels faces fully south, giving the grapes optimal ripeness. The soil consists of shell limestone and Keuper, a combination rarely found in Luxembourg. The limestone provides structure and a precise mineral note, while the Keuper lends depth and subtle roundness. You can feel this balance clearly in the glass: the wine is clear, elegant, and terroir-driven, a mirror of its origin. In character, the winemaker describes his Sylvaner as a style between Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois. It shares the harmonious, creamy texture of Auxerrois without its opulent bouquet, and the fine linear elegance of Pinot Blanc. The result is a discreetly mineral wine that accompanies food without overpowering it. It is neither heavy nor loud but a wine to enjoy throughout the evening. The choice of grape variety also reflects the independence of Domaine Schram. While only two other wineries in Luxembourg use Sylvaner occasionally in blends, here it is a fixed part of the range, vinified every year as a single-varietal wine. Domaine Schram is therefore today the only estate in Luxembourg consistently cultivating and vinifying this grape variety. The maturation is particularly intriguing. The Sylvaner is a so-called coupage of two parts. The main portion ferments in stainless steel to preserve freshness, clarity, and aromatic precision. About 10 to 12 percent matures afterward in barrique oak barrels, giving the wine structure and subtle refinement. After aging, the oak portion is blended back into the main wine. The use of oak is deliberately restrained: it provides a fuller mouthfeel without dominating the taste. A targeted refinement, not to taste wood but to create depth. Culinarily, the Sylvaner is a true all-rounder. It shows its strengths particularly with asparagus, which the winemaker believes it pairs with even better than Auxerrois. It also complements white fish or more robust cheeses with ease and balance. A wine that proves tradition and modern spirit need not be opposites but together can create one of Luxembourg’s most authentic white wines.