Alsace Grand Cru AOC Marckrain is one of the Grand Cru AOC sites in the Alsace region of north-eastern France. Marckrain is divided between the two communes of Bennwihr and Sigolsheim in the Haut-Rhin department.

History: See Tom Stevenson (1993).

Size: Marckrain comprises around 53 hectares (131 acres) according to CIVA Alsace, although Tom Stevenson (1993, 72 & 190)  gives a figure of approximately 45 hectares (111 acres) of which 38.4 hectares (99 acres) in Bennwihr, and 7 hectares (17.3 acres) in Sigolsheim.

Terroir | Marckrain lies south of the village of Bennwihr, at the outflow of the Kaysersberg valley, and enjoys a microclimate specific to the region of Colmar. The gently sloping lies between 200-250 metres (656-820 feet). East to south-east exposure. The terrain is formed of coastal conglomerates of Oligocene origin. Its soil is of limestone–marl type with a predominance of Oolithic limestone pebbles with interlayered marls; or in Tom Stevenson’s words calcareous-marl over limestone layered with marl (1993, p.72 & 190). This suits Gewurztraminer. Pinot Gris is also grown. The Celtic road skirting the Vosges foothills once ran alongside the Marckrain.

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, p.72 & 190.