Le Domaine Stintzi à Husseren-les-Châteaux
The specific characteristics of the Alsatian lands are due to a mosaic of soils which have great richness and diversity.
In order to protect the characteristics of these “micro-lands", and to valorise the authenticity of the wines, 51 locations have been progressively classified as "Grand Cru" from 1975 to 2007.
These plots range from 3 to 80 hectares, and are subject to very strict rules of production.
Situated exclusively on the high parts of the vineyards, the Grand Crus come from privileged lands where geology, climate, and exposition form great harmony : they are the result of a complex alchemy between air, soil, vine and man’s skill.
Four grape varieties are permitted amongst the "Grand Cru" appellation: Riesling, Muscat of Alsace, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer. In addition to these Grands Crus there are two more rare and prestigious classifications : the "Vendanges Tardives" (Late Harvest) made from grapes picked when over-ripe, and the "Sélection de Grains Nobles" (Noble Grains) which have some "Noble Rot" (Botrytis Chinera).
We are lucky enough to have a few plots in three different Grand Cru locations : Pfersigberg, Eichberg and Goldert.
The Grand Cru Pfersigberg
Located within the communities of Wettolsheim and Eguisheim, the Pfersigberg vineyard stretches over 74.55 hectares and has an East-South-East exposition which is particularly sunny.
The subsoil of this slope is composed of different limestone pebbles. The marly-limestone soil has a high limestone content with an alkaline PH going from 7.7 to 8.
An average water retention and the low humidity of this type of ground, favours an intense radiation of heat which leads to an early maturity of the grapes.
The Pfersigberg is the preferred land of the Gewurztraminer, generally characterized by their fruitiness, their finesse, their aroma and their longevity, as, for example, our "Cuvée Célia".
The Grand Cru Eichberg
With a South-East exposition, at an altitude of between 220 and 340 metres, the Grand Cru Eichberg is situated within the community of Eguisheim and counts 57.62 hectares.
Sheltered by the foothills of the Vosges Mountains, at the foot of the "Three Castles", this vineyard benefits from a particularly dry and hot microclimate; indeed, this area is known to have the lowest rainfall in the Colmar region.
The subsoil of this locality is made up of limestone and marl conglomerates, incorporating scree of sandstone pebbles, giving rise to a sometimes siliceous soil, quite clayey and rich in gravel.
The Eichberg is perfectly suited to Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris: the wines of this terroir are characterized by a remarkable power and richness, and are predisposed to great longevity.
The Grand Cru Goldert
The Goldert stretches between 230 and 330 metres above sea level, to the north of the picturesque village of Gueberschwihr. Its steep slopes face east and thus benefit from the morning sunshine, and are protected from the strong afternoon heat in the summertime.
Covering an area of 45.35 hectares, the Goldert is the only Alsace terroir composed of Oolitic marine limestone, forming a relatively rich and fertile soil of a"marl-limestone" nature.
The Goldert is a great exemplification of the Gewurztraminer, which has been cultivated there for a very long time. Here it is distinguished by its great finesse and aromatic complexity. Its acidity gives it an extraordinary freshness and length in the mouth.
