Altenberg de Bergheim

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Alsace wine region

The Altenberg de Bergheim is a vineyard in Alsace . Altenberg de Bergheim has been part of the Alsace Grand Cru appellation since November 23, 1983 , making it one of the 51 potentially best locations in Alsace. A total of 35.06 hectares of vineyards were approved.

The location is in the municipality of Bergheim , just a few kilometers south of Sélestat . The area is located in a hilly zone that is in front of the Vosges. The Altenberg de Bergheim is south-facing at an altitude of 220 to 320 m above sea level. NN in the western extension of another Grand Crus, the Kanzlerberg . The steep slope below the grass mountain minimizes the risk of frost damage after the vines have sprouted in spring, because cold air that arises during the nights does not remain over the vineyards but can slide down towards the plain. The Vosges to the west preserve this on its leewardlocated wine-growing area in south-west or west weather conditions from too much precipitation. This results in an above-average length of sunshine for the northern location. The vineyard lies within the northern part of the fault ditch of Ribeauvillé , where fossil-rich limestones and marls of various compositions from the Dogger (especially from the geological age of the Aalenian ) and the Lias lie side by side. These rock pedestals are partially covered by limestone rubble from the Tertiary Age . In order to benefit from this diversity of soil, the vines are placed very closely together (one speaks of a planting density of 10,000 vines per hectare). This forces the vine to take deep roots.

Grape varieties

The location and the quality of the soil favor the cultivation of Riesling (approx. 7 hectares of planted vineyards), Gewürztraminer (approx. 12 hectares of planted vineyards) and Pinot Gris (approx. 3 hectares of planted vineyards). There are thus only about 22 hectares of the total of 35.06 hectares under yield. In principle, the Muscat d'Alsace grape varieties ( i.e. Muscat Ottonel or Muscat blanc à petits grains ) can also be planted.

Since January 12, 2007, the Altenberg de Bergheim has been the only Alsace Grand Cru location besides the Kaefferkopf in which blends can be offered in addition to single-variety wines. This waste is made up as follows:

  • The main variety is Riesling, the proportion of which is 50 to max. 70 percent must be.
  • The second main variety is the Pinot Gris, which makes up 10 to 25 percent.
  • The third main variety is Gewürztraminer, which also accounts for 10 to 25 percent.
  • Optionally, the three main varieties may be max. 10 percent of the grape varieties Pinot Blanc (Pinot blanc), Pinot Noir (Pinot Noir), the various Muscatel varieties and / or the Gutedel are added. In extreme cases, the cuvée can consist of only the three main types or it can be blended from 9 types. However, the minor varieties may only be harvested from existing plantings. New planting of these varieties is not allowed.

history

Altenberg de Bergheim has been known and famous for its great wines since the 12th century. Numerous mentions in the various archives underline its exceptional class as a vineyard.

Since 1995 the winegrowers have committed themselves to a quality charter which limits the maximum yield of 70 hectoliters per hectare to 50 hl / ha. This benefits the quality of the wines in general.

With the intended expansion of the provisions, the situation should also apply to cuvées in the future.

See also

The name Altenberg is quite common in Alsace. Other well-known vineyards are the Altenberg de Wolxheim and the Altenberg de Bergbieten .

Web links

literature

  • Pierre Galet: Cépages et Vignobles de France . Lavoisier Publishing House, Paris 2004. ISBN 2-7430-0585-8
  • Benoît France (ed.): Grand Atlas des Vignobles de France. Éditions SOLAR, Paris 2002, ISBN 2-263-03242-8 .