Alsace

This small co-operative, founded in 1954, has 110 members and 200 hectares of vineyard in the Haut-Rhin, nine kilometres from Colmar. Their wines are vinified using only their members' grapes, with a focus on expressing the rich diversity of Alsatian soils. Winemaker Nicolas Garde started at the winery in 2004 and his influence continues to be seen in the way the wines improve with each vintage.

This small co-operative, founded in 1954, has 110 members and 200 hectares of vineyard in the Haut-Rhin, nine kilometres from Colmar. Their wines are vinified using only their members' grapes, with a focus on expressing the rich diversity of Alsatian soils. Winemaker Nicolas Garde started at the winery in 2004 and his influence continues to be seen in the way the wines improve with each vintage.

This small co-operative, founded in 1954, has 110 members and 200 hectares of vineyard in the Haut-Rhin, nine kilometres from Colmar. Their wines are vinified using only their members' grapes, with a focus on expressing the rich diversity of Alsatian soils. Winemaker Nicolas Garde started at the winery in 2004 and his influence continues to be seen in the way the wines improve with each vintage.

Reviewed by Jancis Robinson for the Financial Times in their 6th December 2019 article, Stunning White Wines for the Festive Season (see blue link below).

Cave De Hunawihr Riesling Grand Cru Rosacker 2018 - December 2019 FT review

This small co-operative, founded in 1954, has 110 members and 200 hectares of vineyard in the Haut-Rhin, nine kilometres from Colmar. Their wines are vinified using only their members' grapes, with a focus on expressing the rich diversity of Alsatian soils. Winemaker Nicolas Garde started at the winery in 2004 and his influence continues to be seen in the way the wines improve with each vintage.

The 2016 vintage (no longer available) was awarded 92 points and Highly Recommended status by Decanter (www.decanter.com) in their July 2019 article: Alsace - top Riesling terroirs (see blue link below).

Domaine Albert Mann Riesling Grand Cru Schlossberg 2016 - July 2019 Decanter review

Schlossberg lies above the commune of Kayserberg and is composed of a type of grey granite with a southern aspect. It is almost all terraced as it is extremely steep and is one of the greatest sites in Alsace for Riesling. In 1975, Schlossberg was the first Alsace vineyard to be declared a Grand Cru.

This well-regarded Alsace domaine is run by two brothers, Maurice and Jacky Barthelmé in the village of Wettolsheim, near Colmar. Maurice, who took over here in 1984, is married to the daughter of the late Albert Mann who gave his name to the domaine. It’s not a huge operation: they have 22 hectares in all, but five of these are in five different Grand Cru vineyards and a further two are in lieux-dits. The brothers each have their responsibilities, one in vineyard and one in cellar. Viticulture is organic and they have a minimal intervention approach in the cellar. 

This wine presents a yellow-green intense and bursty appearance. On the nose, it is well-balanced, prepossessing, fresh, fine and harmonious. We can find in the aroma bouquet some fresh citrus fruit, bergamot, kumquat, ripe lemon and stewed apple. It is easy to guess the nature of the terroir - granite - which gives this racy typicity and minerality.The palate is very taut, multidimensional and with a mineral element. It confers an originality and unique personality. This wine is harmonious, well balanced and dry with a very long finish.

The Binner family has owned vines in Alsace since 1770 and today they practice organic and biodynamic agriculture, neither fine nor filter the wine, use only natural yeasts, use minimal sulphur, etc… which is music to our ears. All the wines are aged in 100 year old big foudres and undergo malolactic fermentation. The family owns nine hectares in Alsace but only six hectares are cultivated with vines. They produce "natural wines" using very few additives and no technological manipulations. 

Les Binner Saveurs is a blend of Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, Chasselas, Muscat.

It is a highly aromatic and floral wine with spicy notes. On the palate a fruit basket of apples, poached pears and grapes mingle seamlessly on the palate with minerality, floral and sweet spice flavours. This is a dry style of wine which has a long finish.

ABV = 12.0%.

Awarded 91 points and Highly Recommended status by Decanter (www.decanter.com) in their July 2019 article: Alsace - top Riesling terroirs (see blue link below).

Dopff Au Moulin Schoenenbourg Grand Cru Riesling 2014 - July 2019 Decanter review

The Dopff family has been winegrowers since 1574 and still manage the 70-hectare estate near the charming medieval town of Riquewihr. The vineyards are more than 300 metres above sea level, nestled in the foothills of the lower Vosges. As a family of pioneers, they were responsible for the use of the stemmed wine bottles, which today distinguish Alsace wines from other regions. In 1900, tenth generation Julien Dopff was so impressed by the Champagne tastings held in Paris' World Exhibition, he learnt the art of winemaking in Champagne for two years before returning to Alsace. After WW II Julien Dopff strongly believed that a Crémant made from local grape varieties and reflecting the terroir of Alsace should be produced and protected. In 1976, together with five other producers, he finally obtained official recognition for Crémant d'Alsace as an AOC.

2014 was characterised by a very early spring, which resulted in an early start to the growing cycle. The weather was warm and dry during the late spring and early summer, however wet and mild weather during the latter parts of the summer slowed down the vine’s development. A warm and dry September enabled the grapes to reach maturity. The wines are fresh and crisp with beautiful balance.

Schoenenbourg means beautiful hill and is one of the most prestigious Grand Cru classified vineyards in Alsace. Located North of Riquewihr, the vineyard runs along the rather steep south and south-eastern flanks of the hillside, at an altitude of 265 to 380 metres above sea-level. The Dopff au Moulin Schoenenbourg vineyard covers 8.8 hectares. The vines are grown in water-retaining subsoils of keuper marl, dolomite and gypsum, which are rich in fertilising agents, overlaid with fine layers of quaternary siliceous gravel, Vosges sandstone and muschelkalk (shellbearing limestone). Pruned according to the Guyot method with green harvests and meticulous canopy management to ensure good light penetration and air flow.

Whole bunches were gently pneumatically pressed without crushing. Static racking of the must was followed by a slow, temperature controlled fermentation in stainless steel, preserving the purity of fruit. After the fermentation, the wine was stored in old oak casks on its fine lees for several months, adding subtle complexity. 

Riesling 100%.

An elegant and expressive wine delivering notes of passion fruit, grapefruit and pineapple enveloped in a rich, full-bodied and harmonious palate. Candied citrus flavours and a zippy acidity lead to a long finish.

This wine is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

ABV = 13.0%.

Awarded a Platinum Medal, 98 points and Best in Show Status at the 2018 Decanter World Wine Awards (click link for details.)

For other 2018 DWWA winners, click here.

The Dopff family have been winegrowers since 1574 and still manage the 70 hectare estate near the charming medieval town of Riquewihr.The vineyards are more than 300 metres above sea level, nestled in the foothills of the lower Vosges, sheltered from the northerly winds and the rain from the west. The southerly exposure of the vineyards and favourable microclimate lend themselves to the art of producing excellent wine. As a family of pioneers, they were responsilble for the use of the stemmed wine bottles, which today distinguish Alsace wines from other regions. In 1900, tenth generation, Julien Dopff, was so impressed by the Champagne tastings held in Paris' World Exhibition, he decided to learn the art of winemaking in Champagne for 2 years before returning to Alsace. In 1976, together with 5 other producers, he was instrumental in obtaining official recognition for Crémant d'Alsace as an AOC.

The Grand Cru classified vineyard of Brand overlooks the town of Turckheim and reaches an altitude of 343 metres above sea level. The wines of the Brand vineyard have been highly reputed since the 14th century, covering 58 hectares, of which Dopff au Moulin owns 3.2 hectares. The vineyard faces South and South-East and features very steep slopes. The soil consists of "Turckheim granite" with black and white micas, which is characterised by a low water retention capacity. The steep slopes combined with the granite soils, contribute to the rapid warming of the soil, which helps to encourage the vine to mature. The vines are trained to a Guyot system with green harvest and meticulous canopy management to ensure good light penetration and air flow to the berries. Yields are low at 26 hectolitres per hectare. Winemaking The grapes were manually harvested at 107° Oechsle. Gentle pneumatic pressing took place in whole bunches without crushing the grapes. A static racking of the must was followed by a slow temperature controlled fermentation in stainless steel. The wine was stored in old oak casks on the fine lees for several months. 

2015 was a superb vintage, with warm and dry weather throughout the summer period, resulting in good berry maturation and flavour concentration. Yields were lower than average, but quality was excellent resulting in wines with excellent varietal characteristics and ageing potential.

A lovely expression of (100%) Gewurztraminer. Expressive notes of honey, spice and candied fruits lead to a refreshing and beautifully balanced palate. This full bodied and rich wine has great finesse. This wine is distinctly off-dry in the Grand Cru Gewurztraminer tradition (the 2015 vintage has a residual sugar level of 18g/litre).

ABV = 13.5%.

The Dopff family has been winegrowers since 1574 and still manage the 70 hectare estate near the charming medieval town of Riquewihr. The vineyards are more than 300 metres above sea level, nestled in the foothills of the lower Vosges. As a family of pioneers, they were responsible for the use of the stemmed wine bottles, which today distinguish Alsace wines from other regions. In 1900, tenth generation Julien Dopff was so impressed by the Champagne tastings held in Paris' World Exhibition, he learnt the art of winemaking in Champagne for two years before returning to Alsace. After WW II Julien Dopff strongly believed that a Crémant made from local grape varieties and reflecting the terroir of Alsace should be produced and protected. In 1976, together with five other producers, he finally obtained official recognition for Crémant d'Alsace as an AOC.

Harvest started on 6th September 2018, with Auxerrois, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris; the Riesling grapes were harvested from 20th September. The yields were higher than the previous year and the fruit picked was in an excellent, healthy condition, due to the warm, dry ripening period throughout the summer. The fruit offers concentrated flavours, with excellent maturity.

The vines are trained according to the Guyot system. Green harvests in conjunction with strict canopy management, ensure good light penetration and ventilation for the berries during the ripening period. The soils in the vineyard are warm and volcanic with the presence of granite. The grapes are manually harvested once they have reached optimum maturity.

The grapes were carefully selected and pressed in whole bunches. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures to optimise the varietal expression and purity of fruit flavours.

100% Pinot Gris.

The 2018 shows a delicate and elegant bouquet of white floral aromas, white fruits and a subtle hint of honey. This is a dry, racy wine with linear freshness and beautiful texture with white stone fruits leading to a long, harmonious finish. Partners well with white meats such as chicken or veal with creamy sauces, game pâtés or rich game birds such as guinea fowl.

ABV = 13.5%.

The Lorentz family has been making wine since 1836 in the heart of the Alsace, which lies in the northeast corner of France, along the Rhine River.  Charles Lorentz Sr., grandfather of the current president of Gustave Lorentz, developed his vineyards on the hills of Altenberg de Bergheim, in the foothills of the Vosges Mountains, which has grown to 85 acres in this extraordinary terroir, with four acres planted on the hills of the Grand Cru Kanzlerberg and 30 acres in the Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergheim.

The current management, led by Georges Lorentz, is the sixth generation of the family firm, headquartered in the medieval village of Bergheim, in the Haut-Rhin.   As far back as anyone can recall, the grapes harvested from this extraordinary terroir have been vinified separately.   Thus, Riesling, Pinot-Gris, Gewurztraminer and other Muscat varieties from the Altenberg de Bergheim vineyards unerringly express their unique qualities in these wines year-to-year.  The family is very proud that the wines are “gastronomic,” meaning fresh, clean, well-balanced and mostly dry – great matches for many of the cuisines from the more than 55 countries where the wines are sold. As they have down through the generations, the Lorentz family hues to tradition while also employing state-of-the-art vinification techniques and equipment.  Gustave Lorentz was among the first producers in the Alsace to use stelvin (screw-cap) closures. In 2012, the Gustave Lorentz vineyards became certified organic by Ecocert.

The grapes come from the classified Grand Cru site of Altenberg de Bergheim with a predominance of heavy clay/limestone soil. The vines are very old – between 30 and 50 years – and they are the pride of Bergheim winegrowers as there have been vines there since the end of the 13th Century. They are hand-picked, usually in mid-October, with the whole grapes pressed. The pressed juice is separated from the free-run juice and undergoes 12 to 24 hours of debourbage (settling), to eliminate impurities, which are then filtered out. Fermentation takes place, using a combination of natural and selected yeasts, in old oak vats. The wine goes through two rackings, the first to separate the lees from the wine and the second to clarify the wine.  It sits in vats for around 10-11 months prior to bottling. It has the potential to age from seven to ten years.

100% Gewurztraminer.

This is a magnificent Gewurtztraminer from the hill at Bergheim which faces South. The Gewurztraminer Grand Cru has a straw yellow color, with richly concentrated nose of exotic fruit and dry flowers.  This Grand Cru's nose is both floral and spicy with notes of rosewater papaya and kumquat. It exhibits both great power and finesse with ripe tropical flavours including mango, lychee and passion fruit. It is full bodied and dense in flavour. For Gewurzes, it verges on the drier side, but with a roundness and balance and a very long, semi-dry finish. It has wery well-integrated acidity.

The Lorentz family has been making wine since 1836 in the heart of the Alsace, which lies in the northeast corner of France, along the Rhine River.  Charles Lorentz Sr., grandfather of the current president of Gustave Lorentz, developed his vineyards on the hills of Altenberg de Bergheim, in the foothills of the Vosges Mountains, which has grown to 85 acres in this extraordinary terroir, with four acres planted on the hills of the Grand Cru Kanzlerberg and 30 acres in the Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergheim.

The current management, led by Georges Lorentz, is the sixth generation of the family firm, headquartered in the medieval village of Bergheim, in the Haut-Rhin.   As far back as anyone can recall, the grapes harvested from this extraordinary terroir have been vinified separately.   Thus, Riesling, Pinot-Gris, Gewurztraminer and other Muscat varieties from the Altenberg de Bergheim vineyards unerringly express their unique qualities in these wines year-to-year.  The family is very proud that the wines are “gastronomic,” meaning fresh, clean, well-balanced and mostly dry – great matches for many of the cuisines from the more than 55 countries where the wines are sold. As they have down through the generations, the Lorentz family hues to tradition while also employing state-of-the-art vinification techniques and equipment.  Gustave Lorentz was among the first producers in the Alsace to use stelvin (screw-cap) closures. In 2012, the Gustave Lorentz vineyards became certified organic by Ecocert.

The grapes come from various hillside vineyards around the village of Bergheim, with a predominance of heavy clay/limestone soil.  They are hand-picked, usually at the beginning of October, with the whole grapes pressed.  The pressed juice is separated from the free-run juice and undergoes 12-to-24 hours of debourbage or settling, to eliminate impurities, which are then filtered out.  Fermentation takes place, using a combination of natural and selected yeasts, in stainless steel vats.  The wine goes through two rackings, the first to separate the lees from the wine, and the second to clarify the wine.  It sits in tanks for five months prior to bottling.  It has the potential to age from seven to ten years (but is typically drunk earlier!).

100% Gewurztraminer.

An exuberant wine with a spicy character, this Gewurztraminer reveals the typical aromas and flavours of the grape variety (an expressive floral nose redolent of roses), as well as notes of fresh lychee, mango and passion fruit. Its mouth-feel is fresh yet full and almost silky, whilst it displays exotic and spicy aromas such as mixed white pepper. Tastes of exotic fruits and spices with a peppery/ginger finish – well-balanced and slightly dry. It’s supple, complex and rich, with an impressive structure.

The Lorentz family has been making wine since 1836 in the heart of the Alsace, which lies in the northeast corner of France, along the Rhine River.  Charles Lorentz Sr., grandfather of the current president of Gustave Lorentz, developed his vineyards on the hills of Altenberg de Bergheim, in the foothills of the Vosges Mountains, which has grown to 85 acres in this extraordinary terroir, with four acres planted on the hills of the Grand Cru Kanzlerberg and 30 acres in the Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergheim.

The current management, led by Georges Lorentz, is the sixth generation of the family firm, headquartered in the medieval village of Bergheim, in the Haut-Rhin.   As far back as anyone can recall, the grapes harvested from this extraordinary terroir have been vinified separately.   Thus, Riesling, Pinot-Gris, Gewurztraminer and other Muscat varieties from the Altenberg de Bergheim vineyards unerringly express their unique qualities in these wines year-to-year.  The family is very proud that the wines are “gastronomic,” meaning fresh, clean, well-balanced and mostly dry – great matches for many of the cuisines from the more than 55 countries where the wines are sold. As they have down through the generations, the Lorentz family hues to tradition while also employing state-of-the-art vinification techniques and equipment.  Gustave Lorentz was among the first producers in the Alsace to use stelvin (screw-cap) closures. In 2012, the Gustave Lorentz vineyards became certified organic by Ecocert.

The grapes come from the classified Grand Cru site of Altenberg of Bergheim vineyards owned by Gustave Lorentz.  The dominant soil of this area is clay and limestone and the grapes for this wine come from vines between 30 and 50 years old.   The pride of Bergheim winegrowers, the Altenberg has been renowned for is fine wines since the end of the 13th Century.   They are marked by the perfect balance between the subtle, distinguished aroma and powerful, virile body and are extremely “food-friendly.”

100% Riesling.

The Riesling Grand Cru Altenberg has a strong yellow-gold color, and a deep and expressive nose filled with fresh and complex citrus aromas.   It has a surprising mouth filling palate, with great structure and a wonderful, dry, long finish. A very elegant Riesling, with excellent aging potential. This will go well with seafood, fish, white meats, trout, chicken and white wine sauce and cheese.

Earning a listing for one of your wines at a Michelin-starred restaurant is a proud moment – so what must it be like to be featured by every single three Michelin-starred restaurant in France (that’s 27 in total)? It’s an accolade that reflects the historic excellence and purist vision of F. E. Trimbach, unquestionably one of the great names of Alsace and a family business that can trace its origins all the way back to 1626. Thirteen generations later, brothers Bernard and Hubert, plus Bernard’s sons, Pierre and Jean, and granddaughter Anne – remain true to the philosophy handed down to them by their 19th century ancestor, Frédéric Emile (the man who put the “F.E.” into F. E. Trimbach).

Gewurtztraminer is the fruitiest and the spiciest of the varietals that Trimbach use – it is a unique wine. In Alsace, this grape variety has the potential (this is almost always achieved) to reach the height of perfection.

Sourced from the Trimbach’s family’s own vineyards and from growers with whom the family has long-term relationships. Gewurztraminer is one of Trimbach’s most unique wines. The wine is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel and concrete vats. There is no secondary malolactic fermentation in order to maintain as much natural acidity as possible. The wines are released after two years of cellar ageing, when they have the perfect balance of fruit and acidity. The wines are released after two years of cellar ageing, when they have the perfect balance of fruit and acidity.

100% Gewurztraminer.

Its dry personality makes it ideal as an aperitif and it pairs extremely well with specialty cuisine with pronounced flavors. Gewurztraminer is a fine accompaniment for fish or seasoned meats, spicy and exotic dishes, soft cheeses (such as the famous Munster), and a plethora of desserts.

ABV = 14.0%.

Earning a listing for one of your wines at a Michelin-starred restaurant is a proud moment – so what must it be like to be featured by every single three Michelin-starred restaurant in France (that’s 27 in total)? It’s an accolade that reflects the historic excellence and purist vision of F. E. Trimbach, unquestionably one of the great names of Alsace and a family business that can trace its origins all the way back to 1626. Thirteen generations later, brothers Bernard and Hubert, plus Bernard’s sons, Pierre and Jean, and granddaughter Anne – remain true to the philosophy handed down to them by their 19th century ancestor, Frédéric Emile (the man who put the “F.E.” into F. E. Trimbach).

Gewurtztraminer is the fruitiest and the spiciest of the varietals that Trimbach use – it is a unique wine. In Alsace this grape variety has the potential (this is almost always achieved) to reach the height of perfection.

100% Gewurztraminer.

Its dry personality makes it ideal as an aperitif and it pairs extremely well with specialty cuisine with pronounced flavors. Gewurztraminer is a fine accompaniment for fish or seasoned meats, spicy and exotic dishes, soft cheeses (such as the famous Munster), and a plethora of desserts.

ABV = 14.0%.