An exceptional site :
Just outside the medieval city of Bergheim, the vineyard extends over the steeply sloping south face of the Grasberg hillock, at an altitude between 220 and 330 metres. At the margin of the Ribeauvillé fracture zone, carved up into strips and compartments of varied terrains. Lower-and Mid-Jurassic fossil-rich limestones and marls of different composition are partly overlain by Tertiary limestone boulders. The soil however looks rather homogeneous, lime, marl and sand, often reddish, very stony, shallow in depth but with quite good water retention capacity.
Thanks to its south exposure, its distance from the main mass of the Vosges, and the steep slope down to the small Bergenbach, this site has a warm temperate microclimate, with very even temperatures and air moisture.
Favoured varietals :
The specific character of this vineyard, 35,06 ha in area, makes it ideal for Gewurztraminer and Riesling.
Within living memory...
The pride of Bergheim winegrowers, the Altenberg has been renowned for its fine wines since the end of 13th century. Numerous references in the municipal archives bear witness to its exceptional viticultural vocation.
Typical characteristics :
Altenberg Grand Cru wines are remarkable for the perfect balance between their subtle, distinguished aroma and their powerful, virile body. They are gastronomic wines par excellence.
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