Schlossberg

🇫🇷 France

Grand Cru Rare find

FIRST Grand Cru declared (1975) - Emperor Barbarossa's castle hill above Kaysersberg

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Region profile

History

Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa appropriated vineyards for Kaysersberg castle circa 1180 - hence "Schlossberg" (castle hill). Quality recognized since 15th century. 1928: Kaysersberg and Kientzheim winegrowers created unanimous yield-restriction charter - 47 years before Grand Cru system. FIRST vineyard declared Grand Cru (1975 decree). Domaine Weinbach (Faller family) largest owner at 8 hectares.

Climate
Granite at 230-350m elevation; south to southeast exposure; steep slopes; warm microclimate sheltered by Vosges
Signature wines
Domaine Weinbach Schlossberg Riesling - Faller family's 8ha holding; THE benchmark that helped define Grand Cru classification
What sets it apart
FIRST Grand Cru declared (1975); Emperor Barbarossa's 1180 castle; 1928 yield charter predates all AOC laws; LARGEST at 80ha

Facts

  • 80 hectares - LARGEST Grand Cru
  • FIRST declared 1975
  • 1928 yield charter (first in Alsace)
  • famous since 15th century
  • Domaine Weinbach owns 8ha (largest holder)

Region profile from the Wine Memories wine-data corpus · verified January 2026