A Journey Through Time:
Alsace’s Terroir and Its « Grands Crus » Wines
Three hundred million years ago, mountains higher than the Himalayas rose at the heart of Europe. Over the centuries, these peaks collapsed, giving way to a vast inland sea that, in turn, receded to reveal the fertile plains of Alsace. To the west, the ancient Vosges mountains stand guard; to the east, the Black Forest looms. And threading through it all, the mighty Rhine carves a path, enriching the soils with its life-giving waters.
This extraordinary geological tapestry has bestowed upon Alsace a viticultural heritage unparalleled in the world. Its soils—layered with limestone, marl, schist, sandstone, and even volcanic rock—create a mosaic of terroirs that yield wines of unrivaled complexity and character.
The Pinnacle of Alsace: Grand Cru Vineyards
Among these treasures, the Grand Crus stand as the pinnacle of Alsace’s winemaking tradition. These meticulously delineated parcels, celebrated for centuries, produce wines of exceptional quality. Today, Alsace boasts 51 Grand Cru appellations, each a testament to the region’s dedication to excellence.
Some of these wines have earned their place among the ten finest white wines in the world. Among them, the Rangen de Thann—a wine of profound intensity and minerality—commands a place of honor.
An Exclusive Tasting Experience
We invite you to discover these Grand Cru wines in an intimate, climate-controlled setting at the heart of Strasbourg. Here, in refined surroundings, you will savor five exceptional Grand Crus, each a reflection of its unique terroir.
Practical Details:
– Private tasting for groups of up to eight persons (single traverlers welcom)
– Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
– Meeting point: Place du Temple Neuf, Strasbourg
– Available every evening at 8:00 PM
The Wines of the Evening
Your journey through Alsace’s Grand Crus will feature:
Rangen de Thann – A volcanic powerhouse with a smoky, mineral-driven elegance.
Hengst – A wine of refined power, where spice and fruit intertwine in perfect harmony.
Schœnenbourg – A wine of luminous acidity and floral grace, from one of Alsace’s most revered slopes.
Sotzenberg (Mittelbergheim) – A rare gem, offering a delicate balance of citrus and stone fruit.
Ostenberg (Ribeauvillé) – A wine of depth and precision, where mineral freshness meets ripe stone fruit.
For those seeking the extraordinary, we also offer rare wines:
Klevener de Heiligenstein – A historic Alsatian specialty, with a crisp, aromatic profile.
Rouge d’Ottrott – A unique red from Alsace’s ironic slopes.
An evening of discovery, where the past and present of Alsace’s viticulture converge in a glass.