Alsace grand cru Zinnkoepfle

France · AOC (PDO) · Alsace and East

Styles

Natural factors

The hillside is dissected by a series of six faults oriented southwest to northeast, creating a stacking of Triassic layers that gives the soil the character of a geological puzzle. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
The upper part of the hillside rests on a crinoidal limestone of the upper Muschelkalk (10 to 15 metres thick), rich in fossils of Encrinus liliiformis, saurian bones, and brachiopods. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
In the late season the terroir benefits from cool descending air currents from the Petit Ballon, while the amphitheatre-like layout of the Vallée Noble accentuates a mesoclimate of Mediterranean, even Caspian, character.
These climatic conditions allow for high ripeness and regularly for overripeness in the grapes while preserving their aromatic finesse.

Human factors

The appellation is reserved for the white varieties Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot gris, Muscat à petits grains blancs, Muscat à petits grains roses, and Muscat ottonel.
The grapes are harvested by hand, and wines in the Vendanges Tardives and Sélection de Grains Nobles categories must undergo a minimum of 18 months of ageing.

Product characteristics

The dry and aromatic wines display a colour intensity ranging up to golden yellow, while the Vendanges Tardives and Sélection de Grains Nobles reach as deep as amber yellow.
The dry wines are distinguished by mineral freshness and a dominant tartaric acidity, while the Vendanges Tardives often show highly exotic and candied-fruit aromas with a fresh finish.

Terroir / wine link

The shelly limestone soils, steep slopes, and low rainfall give rise to wines that are spiced, lightly smoky, saline, and mouthwatering, powerful and generous, underpinned by a fine acidic backbone.

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