An exceptional site :
The Schlossberg hillside, at an altitude of 200 to 300 metres, stretches north of Kaysersberg and Kientzheim over the crystalline basement of the Vosges mountains : the Kaysersberg migmatites are metamorphic (granitizised) grauwacke-sandstones and shales from Devonian age. At the northeastern part of the vineyard these rocks are pierced by the intrusive granite of Thannenkirch. The acid siliceous soil of excellent fertility is a weathered crystalline scree with some basic inclusions in the area east of the old castle. So the clayey coarse sand is mineral rich : Ca, Na, K, Mg, F, P, and determines the finesse and multiplicity of aromas in the wines.
The steepness of the slope means that the Schlossberg must be cultivated in terraces.
Favoured varietals :
The 80,28 ha of vineyard are planted principally with Riesling, then with Tokay Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Muscat.
Within living memory...
A vineyard of great renown, the Schlossberg is mentioned from 15th century in
documents concerning ground rents. From 1928 the winegrowers of Kaysersberg and Kientzheim engaged themselves by a written convention to reduce the natural productivity of the vine on this site, usage which has since been unanimously respected by all and confirmed by the Grand Cru decrees of 1975 and 1992.
Typical characteristics :
Schlossberg wines are characterised by their very fine, richly floral bouquet. Delicate and distinguished, they do not attain their plenitude until after several years in bottle.
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