Alsace : 2023, a generous vintage

Another atypical year, marked by record temperatures and drought. Hard work was required in the vineyards, and vigilance right to the end. 

As in 2022, the 2023 vintage begins with a mild, dry winter. The water deficit in the Alsace region began at the end of summer 2021.

As spring approached, the trend reversed, with the months of March and April providing a generous 130 mm-plus of rainfall, gently regenerating the vines from mid-April onwards.

At the beginning of May, high temperatures, well above seasonal norms, and the welcome rains of early spring brought rapid growth to the wine. At this stage, the first inflorescences were already in view, pointing to a generous vintage.

From June onwards, the climate remained very hot and dry, leading to rapid growth in the vines, forcing us to change tactics and quickly get down to work in the vineyards. The aim was to protect the bunches as much as possible from the sun, while avoiding overcrowding, which could make the vines more vulnerable to disease. At the end of spring, the hot, dry weather - close to record levels - and the presence of wind triggered an early drought.

In mid-July, temperatures dropped, and the cooler conditions and less sunshine promoted certain diseases. Cryptogamic pressure called for vigilance until bud-burst.

The grapes were slow to ripen, with temperatures remaining cool at the beginning of August. But just when we thought we were heading for a late harvest, everything accelerated at the end of August with a series of scorching days.

From mid-September onwards, a succession of cool nights allowed our Rieslings to mature to perfection.

The first prunings took place on Wednesday September 27th on the Mattenberg plot, which is used in the production of our Riesling Via Saint-Jacques. A generous harvest lasted more than a fortnight, finishing on October 12th with our Sélection Parcellaire Fels.

Tasting the first juices confirmed that were to have a great vintage. The juices are clean and precise, and have retained a great deal of freshness despite the hot, scorching summer. The 2023 vintage promises the typical character and minerality of our schist wines.

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