The Terroir

Terroir is the subtle combination of climate, soil, and human craftsmanship.

CLIMATE: a privileged microcosm

In Eguisheim, at the heart of the Alsatian vineyard, the vine thrives in a remarkable microclimate. Sheltered by the foothills of the Vosges mountains, the village is protected from weather systems coming from the west. This creates what is known as a foehn effect: as winds cross the mountains, they lose their moisture and descend into the Alsace plain warmer and drier.

The result is one of the lowest levels of rainfall in France: less than 600 mm per year on average. Combined with generous sunshine, around 1,700 hours per year, this dry and luminous climate encourages slow and consistent grape ripening.

The temperature variations between day and night also play a vital role. Daytime warmth helps concentrate sugars, while cooler nights preserve acidity and lock in aromas. It is this delicate balance between richness and tension that gives rise to wines that are precise, aromatic, and bursting with freshness.

This climate, both gentle and demanding, shapes the character of Eguisheim’s finest wines, endowing them with finesse, complexity, and remarkable aging potential.

SOIL: a geological mosaic

The Alsatian vineyard is unlike any other: within just a few kilometers, an extraordinary diversity of soils can be found, due to the presence of a major geological fault. Eguisheim, located at the junction of these formations, lies on a particularly varied and complex subsoil.

Across our estate, more than 70 vineyard plots flourish on three main types of soil: granite, limestone, and marl. Each brings its own energy, influences the ripening of the grapes, and imparts a distinct style to the wines.

Granitic soils , light, well-drained, rich in quartz,  produce fine, tense, and mineral wines. They enhance freshness and aromatic precision.

Limestone soils offer structure and poise. They lend wines a broad, sometimes saline mouthfeel, always elegant, ideal for noble varieties such as Riesling and Pinot Gris.

Marl and marl-limestone soils, deeper and richer, favor the expression of powerful, full-bodied wines with excellent aging potential.

This ongoing dialogue between soil composition, exposure, and grape variety is central to our work. It leads us to adapt our vineyard practices, variety selection, and winemaking processes so that each cuvée faithfully reflects the uniqueness of its origin.

THE HUMAN TOUCH: precision, respect, and know-how

While climate and soil lay the foundation for great wine, it is the work of the vigneron that brings out its true personality. On our estate, each vine receives constant care throughout the year.

Winter pruning is tailored to each plot to balance vigor and yield. Then follow tying, shoot thinning, trellising, leaf removal... So many thoughtful and precise actions that allow for optimal air flow, light exposure, and even grape ripening.

We have adopted a reasoned approach to viticulture: no intervention is automatic. Every treatment is decided based on the vintage’s conditions, with a strong emphasis on observation and prevention. Soil management, controlled cover cropping, and the preservation of hedges and biodiversity are all part of a sustainable and respectful approach to our environment.

In the vineyard as in the cellar, our philosophy is the same: do little, but do it well. It is this patient, precise, and terroir-driven approach that allows each cuvée to express its identity with sincerity and depth.

Our Terroirs

Among the many soils we cultivate, three terroirs truly stand out:

The grand cru Eichberg

Nestled against the Three Castles of Eguisheim, the Grand Cru Eichberg literally “oak hill” extends between 220 and 340 meters above sea level. With a full southeast exposure, it enjoys abundant sunshine and natural drainage, ensuring optimal ripening conditions for the grapes.

The soil is composed of calcareous conglomerates mixed with marl and siliceous pebbles. Deep and well-structured, this terroir allows vines to draw nutrients from far below the surface, providing consistent nourishment even during dry summers. It is a demanding land, but when well cultivated, it yields wines of remarkable depth.

Riesling, the king of these slopes, develops generous structure, vibrant tension, and distinctive minerality. Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer also thrive here, producing bold, full-bodied wines with complex notes of ripe fruit, spice, and undergrowth. These are wines made for aging, where power and finesse meet with elegance.

The grand cru Pfersigberg

Located between Eguisheim and Wettolsheim, the Grand Cru Pfersigberg, meaning “peach hill”, takes its name from its early and sunny climate, once ideal for growing fruit trees. Facing southeast, it captures the sun’s rays from the earliest hours, ensuring a fast yet balanced ripening of the grapes.

The soil is predominantly marl-limestone, resting on a bed of limestone pebbles. This very stony terroir stores heat during the day and gently releases it at night. It provides excellent natural drainage while promoting a high concentration of sugars and aromas in the berries.

This vibrant and luminous soil is particularly suited to noble grape varieties: Muscat shines with brightness, Pinot Gris with generosity, Gewurztraminer with intensity, and Riesling with fine aromatic precision. The wines from Pfersigberg are often expressive, silky, and fruit-forward, but always balanced with just the right touch of freshness. Their immediate charm and aging potential make them truly captivating.

The Red of Saint-Hippolyte

At the foot of the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg, the Saint-Hippolyte terroir stands out in Alsace’s vineyard landscape: here, Pinot Noir is king. Planted on poor, sandy, and well-drained granite soils, this variety finds ideal conditions to produce great terroir-driven red wines.

The granite, light and low in fertility, forces the vine to root deeply. This natural constraint promotes excellent berry concentration without excess vigor, preserving the wine’s finesse and freshness. The area receives generous sunlight, though the climate is slightly cooler than in Eguisheim, allowing for aromatic elegance and a well-integrated acid structure.

Pinot Noirs from this terroir are known for their deep color, pure fruit expression—cherry, raspberry, redcurrant, and soft, well-rounded tannins. These are expressive, balanced wines, built to age gracefully and perfectly showcase the full potential of Alsatian red wines when grown on such a distinctive terroir.

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