Gewürztraminer “Terres Epicées” 2020 – Dopff au Moulin

The grapes to produce the Gewurztraminer Terres Epicees Dopff au Moulin were harvested at optimum maturity and carefully selected. The grapes were whole bunch pressed, prior to a static settling process. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures, maintaining the purity of fruit, the varietal characteristics of Gewürztraminer and the absolute expression of terroir.

The vineyard is situated in the lieu-dit of Gehry, in Riquewihr, on a gently sloping hillside with an eastern orientation. The terroir is made up of sandy clay soils with good drainage. Pruned according to the Guyot system, the vines undergo a green harvest and meticulous canopy management, to ensure good light penetration and airflow during the ripening period. The grapes are harvested by hand when they have reached optimum maturity.

Established in Riquewihr in 1574, the Dopff family has dedicated itself to producing fine Alsatian wine for over 13 generations. A pioneering family, they were responsible for the stemmed wine bottles, which today still distinguish Alsace wines from other regions. In 1900, tenth generation Julien Dopff was so impressed by the Champagne tastings held in Paris, he learnt the art of winemaking in Champagne for two years before returning to Alsace. After WWII Julien Dopff strongly believed that a Crémant made from local grape varieties which reflected the terroir of Alsace should be protected. In 1976, together with five other producers, Dopff finally obtained official recognition for Crémant d’Alsace as an AOC. Their 70 hectares of vineyard are situated at 300 metres elevation, nestled in the foothills of the Vosges Mountains.