AOC ALSACE "COMMUNALE" Klevener de Heiligenstein
It's sometimes referred to as "Alsace's 8th grape variety," but what is Klevener de Heiligenstein really?
The variety at the root of this local and village appellation is actually called Savagnin Rose. Under the name "Vieux Traminer" it has been present in Alsace for centuries, but over the years has gradually lost ground to a more aromatic, spicy rival... Gewurztraminer! Klevener was on the verge of going extinct - in 1970 there were only 3 hectares left in the whole of Alsace. Today, the winemakers of Heiligenstein (and a few surrounding villages) continue to produce this rare, distinctive wine. Klevener's elegance, power and aromatic subtlety justify its standing as one of Alsace's noble grape varieties alongside Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer. The result is a white wine which can be either dry or sweet, a close relative of Gewurztraminer and the historic Traminers. Savagnin Rose grapes are small and deep pink in colour, growing in little winged bunches. It is an early-blossoming variety with distinctive grapes, high in sugar and with thick skins which make them highly-resistant to rot. The Klevener de Heiligenstein grapes are picked at the end of the harvest season, after a long, slow ripening process.
The village's hillside location makes it naturally suited to winegrowing, although this potential was not fully explored until the 18th century. It was in 1742 that Ehrhard Wantz, mayor of the village, introduced this new variety originating from the Tyrol region of Italy. A decree issued in 1971 recognised Klevener de Heiligenstein as a distinct A.O.C "Alsace Klevener de Heiligenstein." A second decree in 1997 defined the geographical boundaries of the appellation. Over the centuries Klevener has come to be the emblem of this corner of Alsace, championed by winemakers who have devoted their lives to the Vosges foothills and the precious wine they produce.
Klevener de Heiligenstein is one of Alsace's twelve "village" appellations, covering a total of 42 hectares. The best plots are found in the lieux-dits of "Heiligensteiner Au" and "Aue": a south-east facing hillside, with vines planted at altitudes of between 175 and 260 metres.
This "communale" appellation is still not widely known, remaining a well-kept Alsatian secret.
It is centred around the lieu-dit "Au", with a geological profile dominated by pebbles, sand and clay-rich soils. The peculiar qualities of this soil imbue the wines with an exceptional aromatic potential. These dry, poor soils naturally helps to keep the yields down.
Klevener de Heiligenstein is a white wine which combines the freshness of Riesling, the opulence of Pinot Gris and the finesse of Gewurztraminer. This rare grape variety produces wines of distinctive, charming character.
