An exceptional site :
The battlements of Haut-Koenigsbourg castle overlook the slopes of the Praelatenberg. Situated at an altitude of from 250 to 350 metres, it enjoys an east-south-east orientation. The metamorphic gneiss bedrock gives heavy, siliceous soil, shallow but embedded with large numbers of iron rich stones cemented with quartz, which favourise both drainage and the heating of the soil. Lower down, the friable cristalline rock has been weathered into mineral-rich silt and gravels brought by water erosion.
Favoured varietals :
The Praelatenberg vineyards cover 18,70 ha and Riesling, Gewurztrammer, Muscat d'Alsace and Tokay Pinot Gris all develop to perfection.
Within living memory...
Mentioned in 823 AD, the Praelatenberg belonged to the prelates of Ebersmunster abbey. Tended in the last century by winegrowers from Sélestat, it now belongs to the winegrowers of Orschwiller and Kintzheim.
Typical characteristics :
Praelatenberg wines keep very well, and in time develop the character typical of their origin : finesse and elegance.
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