An exceptional site :
Sheltered from westerly rain and winds by the Ungersberg, a flat-topped Vosges sandstone outlier rising to 901 m, the Muenchberg's crescent-shaped form absorbs the sunshine and retains its heat. Lining both sides of a small south-facing valley its 17,70 ha enjoy a unique microclimate.
Its soil and subsoil are formed of 250-million-years-old Permian sediments. These conglomerates, often with decomposed elements, are sometimes rich in tufa and volcanic ash. Such poor, stony, sandy soils drain well and warm up rapidly.
Favoured varietals :
The Riesling is the most favoured Muenchberg varietal.
Within living memory...
As early as 12th century, Cistercian monks from the nearby Baumgarten Abbey tended the Muenchberg vineyards, and its name in Alsace dialect translates as "Monks' Mountain".
Typical characteristics :
A noble, late-ripening variety such as Riesling is able to reach its rarely-attained plenitude in this privileged environment. As fertility is low, each vine produces less grapes, but each grape has a concentrated level of quality.
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