Wolfberger
Alsace

The Estate
 Wolfberger is a union of producers located in Eguisheim, south of Colmar.  The city was also the home of Pope Leo IX, the Reformer (Pope from 1048 – 1054 A.D.). The winery was founded in 1902 when a group of wine-growers in Eguisheim decided to join forces to create one of the first cooperatives in Alsace. The cave counts 800 members today. Wolfberger combines tradition and constant innovation to elaborate high quality wines and preserve their typicity. 
The resident oenologist at Wolfberger is Bertrand Praz. A young but extremely capable winemaker, he learned his craft at the famous Dijon wine school and from working at the Mumm Champagne House. He has taken huge strides in raising the quality level here. They also take their evaluative wine tasting very seriously and have a highly efficient set-up for tasters. The amphitheatre style classroom has individual wine-tasting desks each with light, spit bowl and automatic water faucet.

"This huge cooperative with more than 800 members makes charming crémant sparklers and clean varietals at a bargain price." - Anthony Dias Blue's Pocket Guide to Wine 2006

Wolfberger is the rare example, in the wine world, of bigger actually being better. 



Foudre

The Vineyard
With 1300 hectares (3,211 acres), 500 hectares of which are in and around Eguisheim, there is a lot of raw material for a specialty importer to choose from. Pinot Blanc has been known in Alsace since the 16th century. Today it covers 22% of the vineyards and is the second most important variety after Riesling.  It succeeds well in most soils and enjoys the dry microclimate of the area. The grapes are gathered in vineyards situated above Eguisheim and in surrounding villages. Rangen is the most southerly vineyard in Alsace and belongs to the towns of Thann and Vieux-Thann. This mountainside vineyard ranges from 340 to 470 m in altitude, and its slopes are extremely steep (up to 85%), with dark, stony soil, where harvesting resembles mountain climbing because the grape-pickers work from top to bottom, secured with harnesses and ropes. The grapes are brought down on sledges. The river Thur which flows at its base helps to preserve it from spring frosts. From the geological point of view, Rangen is immediately adjacent to the main Vosges fault and lies on the Devonian-Carboniferous volcano-clastic base. This gives a siliceous rock, more or less coarse sand, with acid and basic minerals, fertilizing elements for the soil: Ca, K, Mg, Mn, Fe, F, P, S, with trace elements. Rangen is the only vineyard in Alsace on volcano-clastic rocks.

 



Rangen Vineyards


The Wines

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UPC code: 7 84585 00270 2       
2009 Wolfberger, Pinot Blanc 12/750ml
Harvest mid-September.
A light, pale color. Round and fruity. This clean and crisp style of wine displays delicate peach aromas and a hint of almonds.  Smooth on the palate, it has a good balance, a creamy texture with a clean aftertaste. This wine is excellent with shellfish and smoked meat.

#F1EE269001PBS 
UPC code: 7 84585 00270 2       
2008 Wolfberger, Pinot Blanc 12/750ml
Harvest mid-September.
A light, pale color. Round and fruity. This clean and crisp style of wine displays delicate peach aromas and a hint of almonds.  Smooth on the palate, it has a good balance, a creamy texture with a clean aftertaste. This wine is excellent with shellfish and smoked meat.
National Retail: $ 14.99 / bottle

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#F1EE269004PGS 
UPC code: 7 84585 00628 1
2008 Wolfberger, Pinot Gris 12/750ml
 Powerful and well structured wine. Round, rich, offering fruity aromas, toasty and spicy notes.
Excellent as an aperitif, it also pairs well with poultry, game and numerous cheeses.
National Retail: $19.99 / bottle



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#F1EE269005RSS
UPC code: 7 84585 00629 8 
2008 Wolfberger, Riesling 12/750ml
 Most popular wine in Alsace. Citrus and mineral aromas, good acidity.
Excellent with grilled fish or cooked in a sauce, and shellfish.
National Retail: $17.99 / bottle


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#F4EE269000PBS  
UPC code: 7 84585 00271 9
N.V. Wolfberger, Crémant d'Alsace, Brut 12/750ml
The production of sparkling wine was already known in Alsace in the early 1900's. The Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (A.O.C.) Crémant d’Alsace began with an official decree in August 1976.
80 % Pinot Blanc, 20% Riesling-Pinot Gris-Chardonnay. 
Pale golden color. Fine, persistent bubbles. Floral nose with a hint of spiciness, gentle fruitiness (peach, apricot), and lovely balance. Fruity and lively in the palate, it has a clean and crisp finish. This wine will suit any special occasion.
National Retail: $21.99 / bottle


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#F4EE269009PNS
UPC code: 7 84585 00366 2
N.V. Wolfberger, Crémant d'Alsace, Brut Rosé 12/750ml
100 % Pinot Noir. 
The harvest occurs mid September, usually two weeks before the harvest for still wines, when the grapes offer the best balance. Only the healthiest grapes are hand selected and gathered in small crates.
Vinification: gentle pressing of whole grapes is followed by temperature controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks. After bottling, bottle fermentation takes place in cellars at 12°C. A minimum of 15 months bottle aging before disgorging ensures ripeness.
Lovely delicate salmon color with active, small bubbles. Round and full-bodied, this Crémant Rosé displays beautiful watermelon and strawberry aromas cascading in a smooth finish.

National Retail: $21.99 / bottle




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#F1EE269002GWS
UPC code: 7 84585 00329 7
2008 Wolfberger, Gewürztraminer 12/750ml
Very aromatic. Rose petals, peach and honeysuckle aromas. Full bodied, bright, crisp and fresh in the mouth. Apricot and peach flavors.
Pairs well with Asian and Hispanic cuisines.

 National Retail: $20.99 / bottle


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#F1DD269008FBS
UPC code: 7 84585 00792 9
2009 Wolfberger, Edelzwicker 6/1.0 L
 Grapes: 60 % Pinot Blanc + Sylvaner + Chasselas, 15% Gewurztraminer, 10% Riesling, 10 % Pinot Gris and 5 % Muscat. Each grape variety is harvested individually in early or mid-October on the most suitable date for each vineyard.
Edelzwicker has a nose of grilled almonds and walnuts, with a light floral hint following. The first sip shows its true character: fresh and lemony with vegetal, herbaceous flavor. It is round and easy drinking, not overpowering and finishes clean. It is a good companion for food without ever dominating it. In Alsace it is served by the glass or in large jugs to partner regional specialties. In general Edelzwicker goes well with fresh salads, cold or warm starters, but also with oysters, mussels and seafood. It should always be served chilled, around 10 ° C.
Learn more about Edelzwicker history ...

#F1DD269007FBS
UPC code: 7 84585 00792 9
2008 Wolfberger, Edelzwicker 6/1.0 L
 Grapes: 60 % Pinot Blanc + Sylvaner + Chasselas, 15% Gewurztraminer, 10% Riesling, 10 % Pinot Gris and 5 % Muscat. Each grape variety is harvested individually in early or mid-October on the most suitable date for each vineyard.
Edelzwicker has a nose of grilled almonds and walnuts, with a light floral hint following. The first sip shows its true character: fresh and lemony with vegetal, herbaceous flavor. It is round and easy drinking, not overpowering and finishes clean. It is a good companion for food without ever dominating it. In Alsace it is served by the glass or in large jugs to partner regional specialties. In general Edelzwicker goes well with fresh salads, cold or warm starters, but also with oysters, mussels and seafood. It should always be served chilled, around 10 ° C.
Learn more about Edelzwicker history ...

2007 Wolfberger, Edelzwicke
"Absolutely wonderful with turkey; crisp and clean white blend with just a touch of spice; lots of fruit; a spectacular accompaniment food."
- Beverage Dynamics (Nov 08), 88 pts

National Retail: $14.99 / bottle