An exceptional site :
At the foot of the Rocher du Horn, the Altenberg forms the very heart of the Wolxheim vineyards 31,20 ha, situated at between 200 and 250 metres of altitude, remarkably exposed to the sun, making an ideal microclimate. The soil, in this Wolxheim fault zone, is gravel-rich calcareous clay, over a subsoil of Lias and Dogger.
Favoured varietals :
The Altenberg is particularly suited to Riesling, which covers 18 ha, and to Gewurztraminer, with 8 ha.
Within living memory...
Numerous documents from Medieval archives attest to the interest which religious congregations showed in the vineyards of Wolxheim : the diocese of Strasbourg (Archbishop Wernher in 1003), Hohenbourg (Saint Odile in 1188), the Benedictines of Altdorf (1192) and the hospital of Strasbourg (property ledger 1320) between them owned a large part. More recent records are no less eloquent: Auguste Stoeber, J.-L.Stoltz, Charles Gérard, Médard Barth, all have praised it, as did De Grandidier, diocesan archivist and historian, who wrote "The wine of Wolxheim is renowned. It was appreciated by the Emperor Napoleon 1st. The Altenberg produces a wine of quality : the celebrated Riesling".
Typical characteristics :
Ideal for keeping and excellent with gastronomic dishes, the wines from the Altenberg of Wolxheim are flavourful and generous ; in time they develop a powerful and harmonious body with the delicate aromas typical of calcareous-clay soils.
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