Altenberg de Bergheim Grand Cru
At a Glance
- Varieties: Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Sylvaner, Muscat d'Alsace (white and red), Muscat à Petit Grain, Riesling, Gewurtztraminer, Traminer, Chasselas, Chasselas Rose.
- Vine Age: Planted from 1977 to 1997
- Terroir: South-facing, bedrock of limestone and marl with fossils, iron-rich clay soil with rocks.
- Viticulture: Organic (Ecocert), biodynamic (Demeter). 8,000-10,000 vines/ha.
- Vinification: Pressed with whole clusters, ambient yeast fermentation, aged 12 months on the lees in foudres.
Additional Info
This magnificent terroir is situated in the heart of a geologic fault with hard Jurassic limestone and Triassic marl. These formations, rich in fossils, have formed a shallow clay-limestone soil that is red (ferrous) and rich in limestone rock, forcing the vine roots to dig deep for nourishment and water. Due to its southern exposure, its distance from the Vosges limit, and its isolation, the microclimate of Altenberg is very warm, dry, and nearly over-exposed. Ripeness levels, often enhanced by noble rot, are exceptional, resulting in a wine whose co-planted varieties are dominated by their terroir.
Wines
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White
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Red