As of July 2024, the INAO (Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité of France) has approved the production of Pinot Noir-based red wines in the Alsace Grand Cru Vorbourg AOC. As such, Vorbourg becomes the third Alsatian Grand Cru approved for the production of red wines. Two others—Alsace Grand Cru Hengst and Alsace Grand Cru Kirchberg de Barr—were approved for the production of Pinot Noir in May of 2022. The remaining 48 Grands Crus of Alsace remain approved only for white wines.
Vorbourg—largely planted to Gewurztraminer—is located near the southern end of the Haut-Rhin Départment, tucked alongside several other Alsace Grands Crus in the eastern slopes of the Vosges Mountains. Vorbourg (covering about 180 acres/73 hectares) contains one of the region’s most famous walled vineyards—the Clos Saint Landelin, owned by the Mure family.
Located just north of the Ohmbach River, Vorbourg is composed mainly of a series of south- and southeast-facing slopes. This means the vines receive abundant sunshine, making it an ideal choice for ripening Pinot Noir in this overall cool-climate region. The soils of Vorbourg include granite and limestone on the hillsides, along with clay and loess closer to the river.
According to the Wines of Alsace (vinsalace) website, the white wines of Vorbourg are known for fruity aromas (citrus, peach, and pear), are full-bodied, and show a good deal of minerality. The red wine (Pinot Noir) has a deep red color, rich texture, fine tannins, and aromas of fruit, spice (anise), and mineral.
We look forward to trying a Grand Cru Pinot Noir from Vorbourg!
References/for more information:
- https://www.vinsalsace.com/en/grands-crus/vorbourg/
- Alsace Grand Cru—Vorbourg—July 2024 (Journal Officiel de la République Francaise, July 7 2024)
- Map of the Haut-Rhin via the INAO
Post authored by Jane A. Nickles…your blog administrator: jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org