Description

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.

VINTAGE:
2022 was characterised as being a dry vintage which resulted in an early harvest. The grapes were picked under good conditions and the sun-drenched fruit was of high quality.

VINEYARD:
The Dopff vineyards are located in the Alsace AOC surrounding the Riquewihr municipality, nestled in a cool valley. Protected by the Vosges Mountains, these vineyards have the lowest average annual rainfall of all French wine regions. The Pinot Blanc vines are grown at an altitude of between 250 and 380 metres and are planted with an easterly orientation, which benefits from the gentle morning sun. The rich soils are made up of clay and marl which produce wines of complexity and elegance. The average age of the vines is 30 years, and they are carefully managed in the vineyard. Green harvesting in conjunction with strict canopy management, ensure good sunlight penetration and ventilation for the berries during the ripening period as well as influencing the yields, resulting in concentrated juice. 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 and they have been in conversion to organic status since 2021. The grapes are manually harvested.

WINEMAKING:
The grapes were carefully sorted and the whole berries underwent a long, slow pressing to release the juice. Static clarification took place followed by a long, temperature-controlled fermentation with selected yeasts. The wine was then aged on its lees until the August following the vintage, which imparted texture and complexity.

TASTING NOTE:
A rich and textured Pinot Blanc showing expressive aromas of Mirabelle plums and dried fruit with a racy freshness that underpins the full-bodied palate through to a long, persistent finish.

GRAPE:
Pinot Blanc 100%.

COUNTRY:
France

REGION:
Alsace

SUB-REGION:
Alsace