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The Cave de Pfaffenheim & Gueberschwihr's 250 hectares of vines lie in the southern part of Alsace.
Five of our vineyards enjoy Alsace Grand Cru status : Steinert, Goldert, Hatschbourg, Zinnkoepflé,Vorbourg and four are lieux-dits
(vineyards designated as presenting special qualitites): Schneckenberg, Bergweingarten, Gaentzbrunnen et Rebgarten.
After a few years of ageing in cellar, these wines begin to reflect the terroir and the intrinsic characteristics of the grape varieties become less noticeable. The result is top quality wines that are balanced and smooth.
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The Grand Cru Status Terroir |
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 STEINERT
The vineyard at Steinert was already producing remarkable wines in the 12th century. Facing East/South-East, it is well aspected to the morning sun. Heat accumulates in the stony alluvial soil, ensuring the grapes ripen evenly. The soil is mainly limestone and therefore dry and easily drained, ensuring constant levels of humidity. Such conditions produce highly aromatic wines with flowery nuances and good acidity that age well.
Two grape varieties predominate : Gewurztraminer and Tokay-Pinot gris. The latter produces dense, fat wines that are honeyed and mellow on the nose. The balance between concentration, fruitiness and finesse is perfect. These wines age particularly well and can easily bear comparison with the greatest burgundies. |
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GOLDERT
Located to the north of Gueberschwihr, Goldert gets its name from the wonderful golden hue of its wines whose reputation dates back over a thousand years.
Lying at an altitude of between 230 and 330 m , the vineyard slopes sharply towards the top where the subsoil is limestone. Further down the hill the soil is more clayey. Gewurztraminer and Muscat predominate in this terroir. Young Gewurztraminers grown in Grand Cru Goldert show hints of rose and violet that mingle nicely with their characteristicly heavily spiced aromas. Six to ten years ageing will soften the bouquet whilst the wine will acquire a rich velvetiness, developing silky, buttery notes and even hints of iodine… delicious !
Typically,young Muscat shows great freshness and purity of aroma but time will bless it with notes of flowers, blackcurrant, cardamom and mint… |
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VORBOURG
Located to the south of Alsace wine country, sheltered by the two Vosges mountains called the Petit Ballon and the Grand Ballon, Vorbourg enjoys one of the driest, sunniest climates in the region. Facing South/South-East, its marl and limestone soil lies on a conglomerate of sandstone pebbles and limestone. The specific microclimate, stony, limestone soil and low yields enable Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Tokay-Pinot gris and Muscat to produce superbly concentrated wines that are long on the palate. These are wines for ageing that will develop fruity aromas such as peach, apricot, mint and hazelnut... |
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HATSCHBOURG
Located on the side of a hill rising to an altitude of 350 m , this vineyard has fairly heavy, well-drained soil, which, together with its superb, South /South-East aspect, produces delicate, structured wines. Gewurztraminer, Tokay-Pinot gris and Riesling give excellent results on this terroir. Riesling is one of the most interesting because it reflects the character of the terroir so well. Best drunk young, this is a fruity, crisp wine that combines finesse, breeding, character and elegance. Its has remarkable freshness and herby undertones. Six or seven years ageing in cellar will turn it into an amazing nectar tinged with hints of undergrowth and Provence herbs… a truly original wine. |
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ZINNKOEPFLE
Sheltered from the westerly winds and the rain by the Petit and the Grand Ballon peaks of the Vosges, the vineyard at Zinnkoepfle is the highest and the most arid in Alsace . Standing at an altitude of 420 m , vines thrive here amidst the quasi Mediterranean-style vegetation ! Wine was already being made here at a time when our pagan ancestors were still worshipping the sun, which is how the place got its name. Zinnkoepflé's limestone soil mixed with shell fossils together with minimal rainfall produces spicy, characterful wines with plenty of aroma. It will come as no surprise then to learn that Gewurztraminer is the main variety here. The nose is as elegant and delicate as the structure ; these wines are marked by fruity notes such as mandarin and grapefruit.
After several years of bottle ageing the fruit gradually gives way to floral aromas with hints of honey and almond. |
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The Lieux-Dits |
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The lieux-dits and the Clos occupy a precisely surveyed and registered zone. The specific characteristics of their terroir make them particularly worthy of interest. |
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SCHNECKENBERG
Situated on the hills around Pfaffenheim, Schneckenberg lies on limestone soil mixed with shell fossils. These soils are particularly suitable for growing Pinot blanc with mouth-flattering smoothness.
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BERGWEINGARTEN
The vineyard at Bergweingarten enjoys an excellent reputation. It faces East/South-east by virtue of a slight fault in the land and is situated next to the lieu-dit Grand Cru Steinert. This hillside vineyard is planted mainly with Gewurztraminer.
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REBGARTEN
The sandy soils of Rebgarten face east and stand next to the Grand Cru Goldert. This environment is particularly suited to Riesling which displays the qualities of the terroir to optimum effect.
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GAENTZBRUNNEN
The soil in this East/South-east facing vineyard is the same throughout: clay and silt. The terroir, aspect, soil and microclimate combine to create the perfect environment for growing Pinot noir. |
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