Alsace Terroir
The Alsace wine region in France is known for its unique terroir, which refers to the combination of factors such as soil, climate, and geography that influence the characteristics of the wines produced in a particular area. Here are some key aspects of the Alsace terroir:
Geography: Alsace is located in northeastern France, bordered by the Vosges Mountains to the west and the Rhine River to the east. The region benefits from a continental climate, with warm, dry summers and cool winters.
Soil: The diverse soils of Alsace play a crucial role in shaping the flavors of the wines. The region has a mosaic of soil types, including granite, limestone, marl, sandstone, and volcanic soils. Different grape varieties thrive in different soil types, contributing to the variety of wines produced.
Altitude: Alsace has varying altitudes, with vineyards situated at different levels on the slopes of the Vosges Mountains. The altitude can influence temperature and sunlight exposure, impacting grape ripening and flavor development.
Grape Varieties: Alsace is renowned for its white grape varieties, with the most prominent being Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat. These grapes express themselves uniquely in Alsace due to the region's terroir, producing aromatic, complex, and well-structured wines.
Wine Regulations: The Alsace wine region has strict regulations governing the production of its wines. The wines are typically labeled by grape variety, and Alsace is one of the few French regions that primarily produces varietal wines.
The combination of these factors contributes to the distinctiveness of Alsace wines, characterized by their purity of fruit, floral aromas, and a notable expression of terroir.
Marcel Deiss, known for his innovative and biodynamic approach to winemaking, produces wines under the label "Vignoble du Rêveur" in the Alsace region. The terroir of Marcel Deiss wines is influenced by several key factors:
Biodynamic Farming: Marcel Deiss is a proponent of biodynamic farming practices. Biodynamics involves considering the vineyard as a holistic ecosystem, taking into account lunar cycles and other natural rhythms. This approach aims to enhance the health and vitality of the soil, vines, and grapes.
Diverse Soils: Similar to the broader Alsace region, Marcel Deiss's vineyards benefit from a variety of soils. The estate's vineyards are planted on a mosaic of soil types, including granite, limestone, marl, sandstone, and volcanic soils. Marcel Deiss often practices field blends, planting multiple grape varieties together in the same vineyard to allow them to express themselves in the unique terroir.
Elevation and Aspect: The altitude and slope aspect of the vineyards contribute to the complexity of Marcel Deiss wines. The estate's vineyards are often planted on the slopes of the Vosges Mountains, where varying elevations and aspects can influence sunlight exposure and temperature.
Field Blends: Marcel Deiss is known for promoting the concept of field blends, where different grape varieties are interplanted in the same vineyard. This approach allows the vines to interact with each other and the terroir, creating a wine that reflects the combined expression of multiple grape varieties and the specific terroir in which they grow.
Expression of Terroir: Marcel Deiss emphasizes the importance of expressing the terroir in his wines. By allowing each vineyard's unique characteristics to shine through, the wines produced under the Vignoble du Rêveur label showcase the distinctiveness of the Alsace terroir.
In summary, Marcel Deiss's Vignoble du Rêveur wines are influenced by biodynamic farming, diverse soils, elevation, and the unique approach of planting field blends. These elements contribute to the complex and terroir-driven characteristics of the wines produced by Marcel Deiss.