Bruderthal
Valley of the Brothers - Cistercian monks since 1249, marine-spirited wines with iodine salinity.
History
Cistercian monks ("Brudern" = brothers) gave the lieu-dit its name in 14th century, though records show they farmed it since at least 1249. Cited 1316 in Strasbourg bishopric possessions. By 1505, Civil Hospice of Strasbourg owned vineyards. Not among original 24 Grand Crus (1983); added 1992.
At a glance
- Climate
- Brown calcareous soil on Muschelkalk and Lettenkohle dolomite; natural amphitheatre at 235-300m; southeast exposure
- Signature wines
- Domaine Neumeyer Bruderthal Riesling (~$35) - Molsheim's benchmark; 770 years of monastic heritage; saline marine character
- What sets it apart
- Cistercian monks since 1249 - nearly 800 years of winemaking; unique marine/iodine salinity character; "Valley of Brothers"
- 18.4 hectares
- "Bruderthal" = Valley of Brothers (Cistercian monks)
- first documented 1249 when grapes sent to Cistercian monastery Haute-Seille
- 1505 Civil Hospice of Strasbourg owned parcels