The Grand Crù Kaefferkopf, in the south of Alsace (northern France), is famous for its “multifaceted terroir”, where soil mix and grape variety abound. Their coupages, where all of these things come together, are wonderful. And we can’t miss the opportunity to recommend one of them: Domaine Weinbach Vignes du Prêcheur.
Riesling, Auxerrois, Pinot Gris, Muscat and Sylvaner come together in this white wine, produced by the Domaine Weinbach winery. And they all grow at the feet of this grand crû. Domaine Weinbach, owned by the Faller family, extends over about 32 hectares spread across the length and breadth of Alsace. Here, on the right bank of the Rhine, this family has managed to locate the best granite and limestone soils where the best of each of these varieties comes out. As for the climate, Alsace is protected by the Vosges mountain range. On the one hand, this limits the oceanic influence and on the other hand, it accentuates the continental character, with cold winters and hot, dry summers. In large part, this meteorology makes it possible for crops in the area to be cared for with organic, non-aggressive methods, where fungal diseases are neither abundant nor prolific. In the case of Domaine Weinbach Vignes du Prêcheur, all the vineyards are biodynamic, and the vines are cared for using artisan methods that are totally respectful of the ecosystem.
The Domaine Weinbach Vignes du Prêcheur winery has a very simple process, but the maximum quality is guaranteed. After the harvest, which is carried out by hand by the Domaine Weinbach team, the grapes go directly to the winery, where they are sorted. Domaine Weinbach Vignes du Prêcheur is pressed gently with a small amount of force to obtain a quality must. This juice is racked into oak barrels so that the yeasts can begin to work. Both fermentation and subsequent aging (also in wood) will be supervised at all times. However, this does not mean that the process is interfered with, as Domaine Weinbach is in favour of minimal intervention. This is the only way to enhance the terroir and character of Domaine Weinbach Vignes du Prêcheur. After approximately one year of aging (depending on the vintage), Domaine Weinbach Vignes du Prêcheur is bottled and released for sale.
Not many wines as pure as this exist. There are few wines like Domaine Weinbach Vignes du Prêcheur.