Alsace grand cru Geisberg

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• The substrate consists essentially of dolomites and dolomitic marls overlain by variegated sandy marls with gypsum at the summit, corresponding to the Muschelkalk of the Middle Triassic.
• The vineyard soils are clayey and stony, resting on a geo-pedological unit described as perfectly homogeneous in geological terms.
• The vineyard is situated on steep slopes, magnificently exposed due south, with numerous low walls on the hillsides.
• Cool nocturnal winds known as Tahlwendala emerge from the valley and bring fresh summer temperatures that allow the grapes to ripen slowly.
• The Vosges massif shelters the vineyard from the cool, humid north-westerly winds, favouring the establishment of vines on the well-exposed, steeply sloping hillsides of the sub-Vosges foothills.

• The appellation alsace grand cru Geisberg was recognised in 1983, reflecting a long-standing tradition of communicating the geographical origin of Alsatian wines.
• Only the varieties Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot gris, and the Muscats (Muscat à petits grains blancs, Muscat à petits grains roses, Muscat ottonel) are permitted for this appellation, which has been built around white grape varieties.
• The vineyard is trained using a tall trellis system to achieve an optimal leaf surface area, with a minimum planting density of 4,500 vines per hectare and hand-harvesting of the grapes.
• Wines bearing the designations Vendanges Tardives (late harvest) and Sélection de Grains Nobles are made from overripe grapes harvested by hand and must undergo a minimum of 18 months' ageing.

• These are age-worthy white wines characterised by a marked freshness underpinned by dominant tartaric acidity, the result of good grape ripeness.
• The dry, mineral wines as well as the aromatic, fruit-forward, rich and full-bodied wines display a sustained depth of colour ranging up to golden yellow.
• Vendanges Tardives wines often show highly exotic aromas and candied fruit with a fresh finish, while Sélection de Grains Nobles wines are more concentrated and powerful, often with aromas of fruit paste.
• Both the Vendanges Tardives and Sélection de Grains Nobles designations apply to sweet wines of exceptional keeping potential, with remarkable concentration and great aromatic persistence, displaying a depth of colour ranging up to amber yellow.

• The pedological characteristics associated with the valley-exit location promote salinity and a firm acid backbone in the wines, yielding balanced, refined wines with a long palate.
• The excellent late-season climatic conditions favour concentration on the vine and the development of noble rot, enabling the production of wines from overripe harvests.

Facts drawn from the specification's terroir-link section by automatic interpretation — see the source.

All appellations in France

Sources

• Product specification (BO Agri, PDF), JORF 29 juin 2016,
• Official INAO text (show_texte)
• INAO product entry
• Official trade body site — CIVA