Sophie Schaal
Sophie Schaal’s wines are a recent addition to the O’Briens Wine portfolio, and as this Riesling is included in the 2026 Annual Wine Sale I jumped at the chance to try it.
Despite the Germanic-sounding surname, Sophie is actually from Burgundy. After five years of oenology studies in Burgundy, Sophie and her shiny new Oenology certificate moved to South Africa. Among the amazing scenery and vineyards she met her now husband Julien Schaal from Alsace.
The couple now make wine in both Alsace and South Africa; Sophie focuses on AOC Alsace and WO Swartland, whereas Julien’s wines are from various Alsace Grands Crus and WOs Elgin, Walker Bay and Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Their joint winery in Alsace is in the village of Hunawihr, on the Route des Vins between the better known villages of Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé.
Sophie Schaal Alsace Riesling 2025
The vines for this wine are on clay-limestone soils, giving the wines structure and minerality without austerity. Sophie believes in sustainability and follows organic viticulture practices, with no pesticides or synthetic chemicals being used.
The grapes are hand picked and whole-bunch pressed. After being gently pressed, the juice is transferred to tanks for a long, cool fermentation which preserves as many aromatics as possible.
In the glass this is a very light straw colour, typical for dry Riesling. The nose is full of ripe citrus and granny smith apple notes, along with hints of honey.
On the palate those citrus notes expand and make themselves at home – we’re talking lemon, lime and quince. The wine is fresh but juicy, plump but not opulent, mouth-watering but not sharp.
For a young Riesling this is very approachable and very pleasurable, and I highly recommend it.
ABV: 12.0%
RRP: €21.99 down to €19.49
Source: sample
Stockists: O’Briens stores and obrienswine.ie
Frankly Alsace 