Light, distinctive Grands Crus
Grand Cru Schlossberg
Grand Cru Schlossberg
Alsace’s 1st Grand Cru, born in 1975, has been mentioned since the 15th Century. From 1928, the wine-growers of Kaysersberg and Kientzheim recorded all the Cru’s natural production constraints in an agreement that was ratified in 1975.
Situated at a height of 230 to 350 metres on granitic Kaysersberg and Kientzheim terraces, it is a highly mineral terroir containing both coarse sand and clay. The diversity of minerals, such as potassium, magnesium and fluorine, determine the finesse and wide range of aromas in its wines.
Schlossberg is characterized by wines rich in floral aromas of great finesse. Light and distinctive, they reach their peak after a few years. Riesling finds its best expression here.
Grand Cru Furstentum
Grand Cru Furstentum
Between Kientzheim and Sigolsheim, this Grand Cru was already mentioned in 1330 in the vineyard inventory belonging to the Basle convent.
Facing due south, it is an island of limestone-loving Mediterranean vegetation. The brown limestone soil has a stony structure. These are marl, limestone and sandstone terroirs.
The steep slope (37%) provides maximum sun exposure on a soil that accumulates heat and water. Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris produce wines of outstanding finesse and power that may be laid down for many years. However, they need to mature for a few years to reach their peak.
Grand Cru Mambourg
Grand Cru Mambourg
Situated in Sigolsheim on south-facing slopes, it is one of the most advanced hillsides on the Alsace plain. Its limestone and chalk soils sit on limestone and marl conglomerates.
It is a favourite terroir for Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris. Its wines are very typical, full-bodied, with tropical and candied fruit aromas.
Grand Cru Kaefferkopf
Grand Cru Kaefferkopf
This Grand Cru benefits from a very ancient reputation that makes it one of the flagships of the Alsace wine region. It was mentioned in 1338 in the land registry of the Abbey of Pairis in Ammerschwihr. From 1931, the inhabitants of Ammerschwihr asked the High Court in Colmar to protect the use of the “Kaefferkopf” name. And so, 40 years before the appearance of the Alsace AOC Grand Cru appellation, Kaefferkopf was the first Named Place to be recognized by a legal boundary in 1932.
Kaefferkopf is situated on a mainly east-facing hillside and is characterized by a complex geological subsoil, a mix of granite on the higher ground and limestone and sandstone lower down.
The complexity of the terroir and the quality of the climate make Kaefferkopf a magnificent terroir for Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer. Riesling, lemony and elegant, with slight hints of musk. Gewurztraminer, floral and spicy, opening out on to hints of roses. Mineral and citrus fruit aromas then bear witness to the wine’s splendid development.