Kastelberg

Kastelberg stands among Alsace's most historically documented vineyard sites. Roman cultivation is assumed from archaeological evidence, and written records from 1064 confirm the site's reputation for producing great wines. By 1877 it was cited among Alsace's most renowned crus, and the ampelographer Jean-Louis Stoltz conducted research here in 1852. The vineyard received formal recognition as a geographic denomination in 1983 under the initial Alsace Grand Cru framework, then achieved full AOC Grand Cru appellation status in 2011 following regulatory revisions that tightened the classification system.

• Roman-era vineyard with written documentation from 1064
• Cited as one of Alsace's top crus in 1877 viticultural literature
• Jean-Louis Stoltz conducted ampelographic work here in 1852
• Geographic denomination 1983; full Grand Cru AOC confirmed 2011

At just 5.82 hectares, Kastelberg occupies a compact, steeply sloping site above Andlau at elevations ranging from 240 to 300 meters. The defining feature is Steige schist, a black metamorphic rock rich in quartz, mica, and chlorite. This hard, well-drained substrate warms slowly but retains heat effectively, forcing vine roots deep in search of water and nutrients. The result is intense mineral extraction that carries directly into the wines. The south-southeast aspect maximizes solar exposure throughout the growing season, while the Champ du Feu massif to the west blocks cool Atlantic air and the Crax mountain to the north shields the site from cold northern winds. This double protection creates a relatively warm, dry microclimate that supports full physiological ripeness even in challenging vintages.

• Black Steige schist with quartz, mica, and chlorite composition
• South-southeast exposure at 240 to 300 meters elevation
• Sheltered from Atlantic winds by Champ du Feu massif
• Protected from northern cold air by the Crax mountain

Kastelberg is planted exclusively with Riesling, the only variety permitted under its Grand Cru regulations. This mono-varietal focus reflects a broader trend in Alsace Grand Cru classification, where sites with specific documented heritage have been assigned single permitted varieties. The schist soils suit Riesling particularly well; the variety's high natural acidity and mineral expressiveness find a perfect vehicle in this rocky, nutrient-poor substrate. Vines must be trained on steep slopes, requiring manual labor for most vineyard operations. Yields are naturally restricted by the site's challenging terrain and the inherent limitations of schist soils.

• Riesling is the sole permitted variety at Kastelberg
• Schist soils naturally restrict yields and intensify mineral character
• Steep terrain requires manual vineyard operations throughout the year
• Low nutrient availability drives deep root development

Kastelberg Rieslings are among Alsace's most austere and demanding wines in youth. Graphite, wet stone, and crushed slate dominate the aromatic profile, underpinned by high natural acidity and tightly coiled citrus fruit. The wines rarely show the floral exuberance of Rieslings grown on limestone or sandstone; instead they project a steely, tense quality that requires patience. Extended cellaring of ten to twenty years is common for top vintages, during which the wine develops into complex expressions of mineral complexity, dried citrus peel, and subtle petroleum notes. The finish is characteristically long and saline. Marc Kreydenweiss and Domaine Rémy Gresser are the most prominent producers working with this site, alongside Yann Durrmann, Julien Schaal, and Anna et André Durrmann.

• Austere, mineral-forward style with graphite and wet stone character
• High natural acidity supports aging of ten to twenty years or more
• Petroleum, dried citrus, and saline complexity develops with bottle age
• Top producers: Marc Kreydenweiss, Domaine Rémy Gresser, Julien Schaal