Our Vineyard
A look at our terroirs
Our vineyard is mainly located in the terroirs of Ammerschwihr, a charming wine-growing town ranked among the most important in Alsace.
We grow all the Alsatian grape varieties there:
- Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer for whites
- Pinot Noir for reds
We have a mosaic of soils that promote high-quality production.
Resting on the south-eastern slopes of Ammerschwihr, the Grand Cru Kaefferkopf benefits from the microclimate of Colmar, which provides it with exceptional sunshine. This privileged terroir allows the wines to develop exceptional minerality and complexity, giving them worldwide renown.
Soil maintenance
Grass cover has long been used in every other row in our vineyards: this method of cultivation limits soil erosion and compaction caused by tractors.
The competition from the grass also has the advantage of controlling the vigour of the vines, resulting in a more concentrated harvest.
The other rows are worked mechanically, which allows us to achieve better aeration of our soils.
In addition, this method allows us to limit the use of chemical inputs and thus promote the development of fauna and flora.
Working the vines
During the winter, the vines are pruned using the Guyot method with arched branches. The length and number of canes is adjusted to control production.
During the summer, we carry out manual shoot thinning and leaf removal, which help control vine vigor and improve air circulation around the grape clusters. These simple yet essential practices naturally limit attacks from parasitic fungi such as downy mildew, powdery mildew, and botrytis.
Autumn is a crucial season for us as winemakers, as we harvest the fruit of a year’s work. While we are fully aware of modern techniques, we mechanically harvest the “classic” cuvées, and hand-pick the Crémants, as well as the Grands Crus and Late Harvest wines.
