Domaines Schlumberger

Schlumberger estate is located in Alsace, in eastern France. When their ancestors settled in Guebwiller in the sixteenth century, the Prince Abbots of the Murbach abbey were largely controlling the vineyard. The French Revolution, at the end of the eighteenth century, led to the end of their influence and allowed land redistribution.

In 1810, Nicolas Schlumberger (1782-1867) set up his textile machinery factory in Guebwiller. To mark his attachment to the land, he also bought about 20 hectares of vines. In doing so, he laid the foundations of a rare conjunction of human search for perfection and land:

The “Domaines Schlumberger” were born.

Today, there are really 7 grape varieties that remain.

Chasselas is no longer widespread (contrary to the Germans). Very productive, it mostly provides an ordinary table wine, not particularly suited to ageing (must be drunk very young). It is mainly used in the composition of Edelzwicker.

Klevner is an ancient name for Pinot Blanc, and is still held as a distinct variety by some wine growers (not to be confused with the “Klevner” from Halligenstein in the Lower Rhine region, which is a cross between grape varieties, with concealed and discrete flavours of Gewurztraminer).

Some ancient grape varieties that have disappeared : Pinot Meunier (red), Malvoisi (Chasselas), Chardonnay, which is being replanted once more and is included in the composition of some Crémants (sparkling wines).

Three generations later, Ernest Schlumberger (1885–1954) assumed control of the estate. Deeply affected by the phylloxera that hit it in the early twentieth century, the Guebwiller vineyard had been abandoned by most of the winegrowers.

Shrewdly, Ernest Schumberger realized the opportunity in front of him. He bought as many plots of land as he could and replanted vines.

He then arranged the whole vineyard in terraces and introduced horizontal vine planting.

Eric Beydon-Schlumberger arrived in Guebwiller in 1971 and fully involved himself in the company. They owe to him the replanting of the ageing vineyard and the international reputation of the Domaines Schlumberger.

France

Old World

New World