Located in the heart of Alsace’s terroir, the Albert Klee vineyard covers five hectares of AOC Alsace and Alsace Grand Cru and has been perpetuating the winemaking tradition from father to son since 1624. Today, Odile, Albert and their son Jean-François manage the entire estate: vineyard, cellar and marketing.

A terroir

The estate’s vineyards stretch around the village of Katzenhal. The soils on which they grow are clay-limestone, marl-limestone, granitic and sandy-clay. The vineyard is located on hillsides, which allows rain to run off, guaranteeing a level of water stress favorable to good grape ripening.

This slope also provides full south/southeast exposure and therefore optimal sunshine. This enables the vines to produce polyphenols, resulting in richer grapes for concentrated, complex and structured wines.

Thanks to the diversity of these soils, Alsace’s seven grape varieties can flourish, six in white (Sylvaner, Pinot Auxerrois, Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer) and one in red (Pinot Noir).

A philosophy

The Albert Klee vineyard also embodies a philosophy of meticulous work and respect for the environment.

The number of bunches on each vine is monitored and adapted to the vine’s potential. The aim is to obtain controlled yields and better quality wines. To combat vine diseases as effectively as possible, while respecting the environment, the estate has for several years been committed to sustainable agriculture, certified as High Environmental Value.

The Albert Klee vineyard is also committed to sustainable agriculture. The aim is to reduce the use of phytosanitary products and unnatural treatments. Chemical weeding has been replaced by mechanical weeding. In short, it combines sustainable agriculture, consumer and winegrower health and environmental protection.

Wines

The Klee family’s philosophy and the quality of the terroirs on which they grow their vines produce fine, racy wines typical of their grape varieties. The wines are expressive and well-balanced on the palate, reflecting a fresh, ripe harvest.

Take two wines: Grand Cru Kaefferkopf Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris Vieilles Vignes.

Le Grand Cru Kaefferkopf Gewurztraminer is made from a single-varietal Gewurztraminer and offers a complex palette of aromas. The nose is intense, with exotic fruits, flowers, citrus and spices. There are also notes of honey and ripe fruit. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, well-structured and rich. It can be kept for a good ten years.

Pinot Gris Vieilles Vignes is vinified as a single-varietal Pinot Gris. The nose combines honey, yellow fruit, beeswax, and hints of smoke and undergrowth. On the palate, the attack is frank and full, while retaining a lovely freshness. A well-balanced wine combining power, smoothness and finesse. It can be kept for up to ten years.