Altenberg de Bergbieten
Pope Leo IX vineyard from 1050 AD - UNIQUE gypsum terroir creates sinuous, saline Rieslings.
History
Mentioned as early as 1050 in archives relating to Pope Leo IX, native of Alsace who became pope. Belonged to Strasbourg bishopric before 1789. Roland Schmitt family sole remaining producer since 17th century; Roland killed in 1993 car accident, wife Anne-Marie and sons continue.
At a glance
- Climate
- Clayey brown calcareous soil over Keuper gypsum, dolomite and evaporites from ancient salty lagoon; southeast slopes at 235-265m
- Signature wines
- Domaine Roland Schmitt Riesling Altenberg de Bergbieten Vieilles Vignes (~$40) - ONLY producer; organic since 1999; 93 points Wine Enthusiast
- What sets it apart
- Pope Leo IX archives 1050 AD - nearly 1,000 years documented; ONLY single-producer Grand Cru village; gypsum from prehistoric salty lagoon; roots need 7 years to reach terroir
- 29.07 hectares
- documented 1050 AD in Pope Leo IX archives - nearly 1,000 YEARS of history
- ONLY single producer village - Domaine Roland Schmitt
- vines need 7 years to reach gypsum