An exceptional site :
Leaving Andlau, and to the west of the village of Eichhoffen, the Moenchberg vineyard covers a gently sloping hillside, with southeastern exposure, at an altitude between 230 and 260 metres. It lies entirely on Quaternary glacial scree, more or less clayey, covering the hill made of Tertiary limey Graben border conglomerate. The soil texture is very fine, clayey or silty, sometimes calcareous near the crest. Crescent-shaped, the hillside slopes towards the south, being sheltered from the wind. The vines enjoy maximum sunshine in a dry and very warm environment which makes an ideal microclimate.
Favoured varietals :
Riesling and, to a lesser extent, Gewurztrammer are perfectly suited to the 11,83 ha of this vineyard slope.
Within living memory...
The Moenchberg of Andlau and of Eichhoffen is one of the oldest vineyards of Alsace, first planted during the Roman occupation. The "Monk's Mountain" enjoyed such success under the auspices of the Abbey of Altdorf, to which it belonged in 1097, that the inhabitants have continued the cultivation of the vine ever since.
It is also mentioned in the "Ampé-lographie rhénane" published in 1852 by the vine expert Stoltz.
Typical characteristics :
Riesling Alsace Grand Cru Moenchberg displays elegant and distinguished fruit, well-structured body, and agreeable vivacity, making it an excellent wine for bottle-ageing.
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