Alsace Grand Cru AOC Eichberg is one of the Grand Cru AOC sites in the Alsace region of north-eastern France. Eichberg, whose name translates as ‘oak tree mount’ is located in the commune of Eguisheim in the Haut-Rhin department.

History: ‘The exceptional quality of Eichberg wines has long been recognized. According to the historian Médard Barth, Marbach Abbey, founded in 11th century, received tithes on vineyards situated at Eissche, the original name for the present-day Eichberg,’ (CIVA Alsace).

Size: 57.62 hectares (142.3 acres) (CIVA).

Main grapes: Gewurztraminer from Eichberg is ‘potentially the finest in Alsace. Also superb Riesling and Pinot Gris,’ (Tom Stevenson, 1993, p164).

Terroir: Grand Cru Eichberg stretches over two gentle slopes exposed southeast, southwest of Eguisheim, at the northern edge of the Rouffach fracture zone. This vineyard, at the foot of the three castles, is sheltered by the foothills of the Vosges and benefits from a particularly dry and hot microclimate, since rainfall is the lowest known in the region of Colmar. Altitude is between 220 and 340 metres (721-1,115 feet).

Soil: Mainly Tertiary calcareous conglomerates and Oligocene marls. This is covered with a pebbly scree of limestone, marl, Vosges sandstone and gravel and even some granite boulders at the east rim of the vineyard where Quaternary talus partly covers the conglomerates.

Wines

Gewurztraminer:

Gewürztraminer Vendanges Tardives:

Gewurztraminer Grains Nobles:

Pinot Gris:

Pinot Gris Vendanges Tardives:

Pinot Gris Grains Nobles:

Riesling:

Riesling Vendanges Tardives:

Riesling Grains Nobles:

Wineries

Certified Biodynamic | Domaine Hausherr. | Domaine Pierre Frick.

Bibliography

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

Jean-Pierre Frick of Domaine Pierre Frick (perso).

CIVA Asace.