Domaine Kleinknecht

In the heart of the Bas-Rhin wine region, the village of Mittelbergheim and its surroundings boast some excellent terroirs within renowned lieux-dits (Stein, Brandluft, Hagel) and in the Grand Cru Zotzenberg. Nearby Grand Crus include Wiebelsberg (Andlau) and Kirchberg de Barr, as well as the unique terroir of Klevener de Heiligenstein. Another notable feature of the village is its high proportion of organic vineyards and domains that are committed to respecting terroir, among which Domaine Rietsch stands out, alongside Domaine Rieffel and Domaine Kleinknecht.

At once discrete, opinionated and committed, this domain has been led by André and Isabelle Kleinknecht since the early 90s and they are now assisted by their children Jules and Fanny. Initially farming organically (certified in 2002), they turned to more rigorous biodynamic practices in 2014. An approach which favours living soils, massale selection for new planting and natural vinification, without additions in any cuvée. The 30 or so parcels which make up the 10-hectare vineyard are spread over various lieux-dits in Mittelbergheim and Andlau (notably Rebbuhl with its granite terroir), the Grand Crus Zotzenberg (Sylvaner) and Kirchberg de Barr (Riesling and Gewurztraminer). Wines from this domain offer fruit and minerality, full expressions of grape variety and terroir, delivered with honesty and sincerity.