Alsace grand cru Sommerberg

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Accessory grape varieties

Terroir

• The acidic soils derived from granitic arenas (arènes granitiques) are the product of the weathering of the two-mica granite bedrock known as the Turckheim granite.
• The very steeply sloping relief is characterised by a succession of three amphitheatres separated by outcrops of the parent rock, making the grand cru exceptionally sun-exposed.
• The very stony soil stores the warmth of the day and releases it at night, making the terroir early-ripening in spring yet with a relatively slow maturation.
• The Vosges massif shields the vineyard from cool, humid north-westerly winds; the prevailing winds reach Alsace in the form of a foehn, drier and warmer.

• The appellation was recognised in 1983, with plots delineated from the historic production heartlands, restricted to the white grape varieties Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot gris, and Muscats. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
• The grapes are harvested by hand, and wines in the Vendanges Tardives and Sélection de Grains Nobles styles, produced from over-ripe grapes, must comply with a minimum élevage of 18 months.

• The dry, aromatic wines display a colour intensity ranging up to golden yellow, while Vendanges Tardives and Sélection de Grains Nobles reach an amber yellow.
• Vendanges Tardives often show highly exotic aromas and candied fruit with a fresh finish, while Sélection de Grains Nobles often present aromas of fruit paste and a great aromatic persistence.

• The granitic arena, rich in mineral elements, determines the finesse and complexity of the wines' aromas, with noble bitter citrus notes often present.

Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.

Sources

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