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The Alsatian Terroir

  • terroir alsacien - vignobles Maison Hauller

The vineyards of Alsace spread over 15,500 hectares, divided into 119 communes – from Marlenheim in the North to Thann in the South. This swath is 170 km long and only 3 kilometres wide, it represents a multitude of terroirs that confer aromatic richness and diversity to our wines. The turbulent geological history has enabled the emergence of such diversity – known as the “mosaic of soils”. The vineyards are buttressed by the eastern slopes of the Vosges mountain range, a true natural barrier that protects against the oceanic climate. Established on a series of foothills of the Vosges, the vineyards are typically found at altitudes of 200-400 metres, and with their south and south-east exposure they benefit from maximum sunlight and low rainfall thus contributing to the qualitative development of the vines and wines.

The wines of Alsace are usually identified by the name of the grape varieties used in their production. We find the following seven varieties: Sylvaner, Riesling, Muscat, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir. Each variety furnishes different wines ranging from dry and fresh whites to spicy and fruity whites, while also giving fruity and slightly tannic red wines. The varieties are therefore systematically stated on the labels of our bottles.