An exceptional site :
A majestic hillside, sheer and steep, facing south and south-east, the Zinnkoepfle or Sonnenkoepflé dominates the picturesque and
welcoming valley which ancient documents refer to as Vallis Praenobilis
- the most noble valley. The highest vineyard in Alsace thanks to its privileged position, a warm and dry microclimate sheltered from the wind and rain, the Zinnkoepflé allows the vine to prosper, on calcarious sandstone Trias soil, up to an altitude of 420 metres, almost the limit for Mediterranean and Caspian flora and fauna.
Favoured varietals :
With 68,40ha of predominantly Muschelkalk soil, the Zinnkoepfle is ideally suited to the emperor of Alsace wines, Gewurztraminer. Riesling and Tokay Pinot Gris also grow well.
Within living memory...
Revered by pagan ancestors in ceremonies of sun-worship, hence its name, the Zinnkoepfle has always been known as one of the best-exposed vineyards of Alsace, and its reputation is centuries-old.
A main street in the town that leads to the foot of this hillside blessed by the gods is even called Street of Gold !
Typical characteristics :
The shelly limestone of the Zinnkoepfle, allied to a very low rainfall (270 mm during the period of vegetation) thanks to the protection afforded by the Petit and the Grand Ballon, results in wines with plenty of bouquet, spicy, full of verve, especially as far as Gewurztraminer is concerned.
Paradoxically, Riesling has great finesse and a discreet harmony. Agreeable to enjoy when young, Zinnkoepflé Grand Cru wines age extraordinarily well, and are naturally destined to be great wines for cellaring and for gastronomic occasions.
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