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Must-See Châteaux |
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Domaine Wach is a family estate based in Andlau, a charming wine-growing village in the Bas-Rhin, in Alsace. From artisan coopers to artisan winegrowers, the Wach family has cultivated for generations the will to do things well on a human scale. Across approximately 9 hectares of vines, including 1.5 hectares classified as Grand Cru, the estate crafts great varietal wines, with a marked preference for Riesling, which captures the singular character of Andlau's terroirs. Led by Pierre Wach, seventh generation, and his wife Jessica, a Quebec-born sommelier, the estate combines artisanal expertise, organic viticulture and respect for the terroir.
The Wach family's adventure in the world of wine began as early as 1648, when its members practised the craft of barrel-making. From 1780 onwards, wine production came to diversify the activities of the house, and since 1888, the craft of Alsatian winemaker has occupied the family full-time. From generation to generation, this heritage has been passed down with the same exacting standards of quality and the same attachment to the land of Andlau, at the foot of the grand crus of the Vosges massif.
Since 2015, Pierre Wach has represented the seventh generation at the helm of this family enterprise. It was at this point that the Domaine des Marronniers — a nod to the two old chestnut trees planted long ago on the property — took the name Domaine Wach. A new impetus was then given, with the arrival of his partner Jessica, a sommelier from Québec, and the birth of their son Jules. Pierre has undertaken profound changes, both in the vineyard and in the cellar, steering the estate towards a fully considered conversion to organic farming: the 2022 vintage is the first to be officially certified organic. Attentive to advances in the craft, he also explores innovative techniques and trials of sulfite-free pinot noir.
Andlau benefits from exceptional geological diversity, reflected in the mosaic of plots across the estate. Three of Alsace's grand crus are located within the commune, and Domaine Wach is fortunate to farm plots on each of them. The Kastelberg rests on schist, a rare substrate in Alsace that makes it one of the smallest and most singular grand crus in the region. The Wiebelsberg, which dominates Andlau, spreads its pink sandstone soils, while the Moenchberg, the monks' hill, flourishes on a marl-limestone terroir. Each of these terroirs imprints its mineral signature on the estate's rieslings.
The 9 hectares of vines, divided into around twenty plots, are tended throughout the year like a garden, with constant attention paid to balance and fruit maturity. Riesling accounts for nearly 40% of the plantings, complemented by Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Noir. Manual harvesting, an organic approach and a commitment to short supply chains reflect a philosophy of less but better, in synergy with these steep vines.
In the cellar, the estate seeks above all precision and freshness of flavour. The varietal wines are vinified in a dry and aromatic style that highlights the purity of the fruit and the minerality of each terroir. Pierre Wach pays particular attention to technical advances in the craft, limiting inputs and seeking the most precise gesture to preserve the natural expression of the grape.
The Grand Cru Rieslings undergo extended ageing, notably in barrel, and are not released until three years after bottling, allowing the various elements to find their harmony. Crystal clear and crafted for gastronomy, these wines reward patient enthusiasts by developing a radiant energy and deep elegance. The estate also produces crémants, as well as Vendanges Tardives and Sélections de Grains Nobles in great vintages.
Riesling Grand Cru Kastelberg: the pride of the estate, this dry and full-bodied riesling is born on the unique schist terroir of the Kastelberg. On the nose, lime dominates, accompanied by notes of gunflint. The palate is mineral, saline, tense and powerful, with a magnificent length. A wine for ageing that reveals the full character of its terroir after a few years in the cellar.
Riesling Grand Cru Wiebelsberg: from the pink sandstone soils dominating Andlau, this riesling combines citrus notes on the nose with a beautiful minerality. All finesse and radiance, it is a luminous and vibrant wine that delicately expresses the warmth of the sandstone.
Riesling Grand Cru Moenchberg: born on a marl-limestone terroir, the Moenchberg reveals aromas of exotic fruits and warm stone. The palate is structured and ample, filling the mouth with brilliance. It pairs ideally with a scallop or a yellow-fruit dessert.
Riesling: the flagship cuvée of the estate's king grape, this riesling is dry, vibrant and mineral. It offers a straightforward and refreshing profile, with citrus fruit and a saline backbone, a perfect reflection of the house style at an accessible price.
Sylvaner: vinified in a dry style, this sylvaner stands out for its vivacity and crisp freshness. A flavoursome, thirst-quenching wine, ideal as an aperitif and with seafood.
Pinot Blanc: tender and balanced, the estate's pinot blanc charms with its roundness and suppleness. A versatile dry white, easy to pair with everyday cuisine.
Muscat: dry and aromatic, this muscat exhales a vibrant fruitiness and crisp notes of fresh grape. A rare and original cuvée, magnificent as an aperitif.
Pinot Gris: crafted in a dry style, it displays a generous texture, notes of ripe fruit and a beautiful depth, while retaining freshness and balance.
Gewurztraminer: aromatic and expressive, the gewurztraminer offers its characteristic floral and spicy notes, in a dry and perfumed style that makes it a singular companion at the table.
Pinot Noir Cuvée Saint-Hubert: from the estate's small pinot noir plot, this Alsatian red is fruity, elegant and precise. Pierre Wach also conducts sulfite-free winemaking trials here, in pursuit of a wine of pure expression.
Vendanges Tardives: in great vintages, the estate produces Vendanges Tardives cuvées from over-ripened grapes. These rich and concentrated off-dry wines combine residual sugars and freshness, for exceptional moments.
Sélection de Grains Nobles: the pinnacle of the estate's sweet wines, this rare cuvée is made from grapes affected by noble rot. Of great aromatic intensity, it combines opulence, depth and balance for extended ageing.
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