Domaine Bott-Geyl

The roots of Domaine Bott-Geyl reach back to 1795, when Jean-Martin Geyl began cultivating vines in Alsace. The Bott and Geyl families were united by marriage in 1926, and the domaine as it exists today was formally established in 1953. Jean-Christophe Bott assumed leadership in 1993 at just 24 years old, bringing experience gained from training in France, Germany, Australia, and South Africa. His impact was immediate: Gault & Millau named him winemaker of the year in 1996.

• Vine cultivation by the Geyl family began in 1795
• Bott and Geyl families merged through marriage in 1926
• Jean-Christophe Bott took over in 1993, trained across four countries
• Named Gault & Millau winemaker of the year in 1996

The domaine farms 15 to 20 hectares spread across 75 individual vineyard plots in 7 municipalities, all in the Haut-Rhin. Elevations range from 220 to 400 meters, and soils vary dramatically from plot to plot, encompassing granite, limestone, clay, marl, sandstone, and migmatites. This geological diversity is central to the domaine's philosophy of expressing site-specific terroir. Holdings include four lieux-dits (Burgreben, Grafenreben, Kronenbourg, and Schloesselreben) and the historic Clos des Trois Chemins, in addition to six Grand Cru parcels.

• Elevations from 220 to 400 meters in the Haut-Rhin
• Soils range from granite and sandstone to limestone, clay, marl, and migmatites
• Four lieux-dits and the historic Clos des Trois Chemins complement Grand Cru holdings
• Continental climate with conditions typical of Alsace

Bott-Geyl converted to organic farming in 2000 and achieved biodynamic certification in 2002, following lunar cycles for all vineyard work. Grapes are hand-harvested with selective grape selection at each pass. In the cellar, the approach is one of strict non-intervention: no enzymes, no chapitalization, and no fining. Fermentation relies entirely on indigenous yeasts, and wines are aged on fine lees for added complexity. The domaine is a member of Biodyvin, the leading certification body for biodynamic wine producers.

• Organic certified 2000, biodynamic certified 2002
• Hand-harvesting with selective passes through the vineyard
• Indigenous yeast fermentation; no enzymes, chapitalization, or fining
• Extended lees aging for textural complexity

Bott-Geyl produces red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines (Crémant d'Alsace) from a broad range of varieties including Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Muscat, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Auxerrois, Chardonnay, Sylvaner, and Chasselas. Rieslings are characterized by crystalline purity and pronounced minerality, while Gewürztraminers deliver exotic spice and tropical fruit. The overall style across the range is described as complex, powerful, and sophisticated, with terroir authenticity as the guiding principle.

• Ten grape varieties grown across the estate
• Rieslings known for minerality and crystalline purity
• Gewürztraminers show exotic spice and tropical fruit character
• Full range includes Crémant d'Alsace sparkling wine