Dopff au Moulin – Gewurztraminer ‘Terres Epicees’ – 2022

PRODUCER NOTE:
Established in Riquewihr in 1574, the Dopff family has dedicated itself to producing fine Alsatian wine for over 13 generations. A pioneering family, they were responsible for the stemmed wine bottles, which today still distinguish Alsace wines from other regions. In 1900, tenth generation Julien Dopff was so impressed by the Champagne tastings held in Paris, he learnt the art of winemaking in Champagne for two years before returning to Alsace. After WWII Julien Dopff strongly believed that a Crémant made from local grape varieties which reflected the terroir of Alsace should be protected. In 1976, together with five other producers, Dopff finally obtained official recognition for Crémant d’Alsace as an AOC. Their 70-hectare vineyard is situated at 300 metres elevation, nestled in the foothills of the Vosges Mountains and since 2020 they hold the HVE certification for sustainability.

VINEYARD:
The vineyard is situated in the lieu-dit of Gehey, in Riquewihr, on a gently sloping hillside with an eastern orientation. The terroir is made up of sandy clay soils with good drainage. Pruned according to the Guyot system, the vines undergo a green harvest and meticulous canopy management, to ensure good light penetration and air flow during the ripening period. The grapes are harvested by hand when they have reached optimum maturity. Dopff au Moulin holds the Haute Valeur Environmentale (HVE) certification, which officially recognises the environmental performance of winegrowers, including biodiversity conservation, plant protection strategies, managed fertiliser use and water resource management.

WINEMAKING:
The grapes were harvested at optimum maturity and carefully selected. The grapes were whole bunch pressed, prior to a static settling process. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures, maintaining the purity of fruit, the varietal characteristics of Gewurztraminer and the absolute expression of terroir.

TASTING NOTE:
An intense bouquet delivering an explosion of exotic fruits – lychee, passionfruit and melon. Floral hints of rose, yellow stone fruits, honey and spice complete this complex, richly textured and aromatic off-dry wine.

GRAPE:
Gewürztraminer 100%.

COUNTRY:
France

REGION:
Alsace

SUB-REGION:
Alsace