Domaine Rietsch
ALSACE
In the heart of the Bas-Rhin vineyard, Mittelbergheim benefits from beautiful terroirs in renowned localities (Stein, Brandluft) and the Grand Cru Zotzenberg, to which are added, in the surrounding area, Grands Crus such as Wiebelsberg (Andlau) or even the terroir of the original Klevener de Heiligenstein. Another characteristic of the village is its high proportion of organically grown vines and demanding estates in terms of respect for the terroir, among which the Rietsch estate is a model.
An old family from Mittelbergheim, the Rietschs moved away from polyculture in the early 1970s to devote themselves to viticulture by developing an estate now run by Jean-Pierre Rietsch and his wife Sophie. Spread over Mittelbergheim, Andlau, Heiligenstein and, further north, Mutzig, the 12 ha of vineyards – where Riesling accounts for a quarter of the area planted – were gradually converted to organic farming during the 2000s, with only surface-level tillage and green manures to allow native flora and fauna to create a balanced environment conducive to true expression of terroir. Vinification is carried out gently to preserve all the substance of the juices, without any addition or treatment. Grape varieties and terroirs thus find their truest definition in expressive cuvées of great precision and great frankness, where fruit and minerality marry in perfect drinkability.