Alsace Grand Cru AOC Marckrain | 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, p72 & 190). This suits Gewurztraminer. Pinot Gris is also grown. The Celtic road skirting the Vosges foothills once ran alongside the Marckrain.

Wines

Gewurztraminer

Gewurztraminer 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, p72 & 190.