Eichberg
Oak Hill beneath the Three Castles - 11th-century Marbach Abbey taxes, Eguisheim's driest terroir.
History
Name derives from German "eiche" (oak). Marbach Abbey, founded 11th century, collected taxes from community in form of wine from place known as "Eissche" - earliest Eichberg reference. Leon Beyer (established 1580) produces legendary Gewurztraminer Cuvee des Comtes d'Eguisheim from Eichberg. Grand Cru status 1983.
At a glance
- Climate
- Limestone conglomerate, marl, sandstone, granite mix; southeast exposure at 220-340m; DRIEST site in Alsace (Colmar rain shadow)
- Signature wines
- Leon Beyer Gewurztraminer Cuvee des Comtes d'Eguisheim (~$45) - from Eichberg; founded 1580; 9 generations
- What sets it apart
- 11th-century abbey tax records; DRIEST Grand Cru in Alsace; beneath famous Three Castles of Eguisheim; Leon Beyer 1580 heritage
- 57.62 hectares (one of larger Grand Crus)
- "Eichberg" = oak hill
- 11th-century Marbach Abbey collected wine taxes
- 33+ growers in Eguisheim
- sheltered by Three Castles