Alsace Grand Cru Kanzlerberg AOC is the smallest Grand Cru AOC site in the Alsace region of north-eastern France. Kanzlerberg is located in the commune of Bergheim in the Haut-Rhin department between Bergheim and Thannenkirch. Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and particularly Riesling fare best (CIVA Alsace).

History: See Tom Stevenson (1993).

Vineyard area: 3,23ha.

Terroir: ‘Marno-calcaire’ (Guide Hachette des Vins 2004, p.117). CIVA Alsace describes Kanzlerberg as comprising 3,23 ha of vineyards, located ‘on the outskirts of Bergheim [Haut-Rhin], due west of the Grand Cru Altenberg. The vineyard faces south and southwest, on the steep slopes of the Kanzlerberg, at an average altitude of 250 metres. The very heavy clayey soil is composed of grey and black gypsum bearing marls from Lower Keuper overlying the calcareous Upper Muschelkalk outcropping in the lowest area of the site. [Heavy calcareous, grey and black marls with Keuper gypsum, which improves the soil’s heat retaining and water circulation properties, over a limestone base.] The Order of the Knights Templar owned a domain [originally known as Tempelhof] on the Kanzlerberg, but in 1312 the order was suppressed. Historical documents from 1328 already mention vines growing on this slope and as proof of its exceptional quality, these wines were always vinified apart. Grand Cru Kanzlerberg wines require a period of ageing to enhance their richness and strength, which underlines the union between the heavy soil and the distinctive aroma of each grape variety.’

Wine style: Tom Stevenson suggests the wines from this site resemble those of lieu-dit Burg more than Altenberg de Bergheim.

Wines

Gewurztraminer:

Gewürztraminer Vendanges Tardives:

Gewurztraminer Grains Nobles:

Muscat:

Muscat Vendanges Tardives:

Muscat Grains Nobles:

Pinot Gris:

Pinot Gris Vendanges Tardives:

Pinot Gris Grains Nobles:

Riesling:

Reisling Vendanges Tardives:

Riesling Grains Nobles:

Wineries

Certified Biodynamic: Domaine Sylvie Spielmann.

Bibliography

Tom Stevenson, The Wines of Alsace, Faber & Faber, 1993.

History: See Tom Stevenson (1993).

Wines

Gewurztraminer:

Gewürztraminer Vendanges Tardives:

Gewurztraminer Grains Nobles:

Muscat:

Muscat Vendanges Tardives:

Muscat Grains Nobles:

Pinot Gris:

Pinot Gris Vendanges Tardives:

Pinot Gris Grains Nobles:

Riesling:

Riesling Vendanges Tardives:

Riesling Grains Nobles:

Bibliography

Tom Stevenson, The Wines of Alsace, Faber & Faber, 1993.