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The Mochel family has been making wine in the Bas-Rhin village of Traenheim, 20 km west of Strasbourg, since 1669. Frederic and his son Guillaume sustainably farm 10 hectares (5ha of Grand Cru). The Domaine is planted to Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Noir. Alsace is one of the sunniest regions in France and only receives an average of 600mm of annual rainfall. The Altenberg de Bergbieten vineyard is 29ha and was granted Grand Cru status in 1983. The vines enjoy southern exposure and the soil is a unique mix of clay, marl and gypsum. This combination brings the perfect balance of heat and water retention to the vines. The vines must be at least 7 years old and the maximum allowable yield is 55 hl/ha for Grand Cru status. Mochel's yields are considerably lower than this.
All the whites are fermented in large foudres with naturally occurring yeasts. The temperature is maintained at 20 Celsius. The wines are racked back onto their fine lees until March or April when they are clarified. Pinot Gris is bottled in July and the Rieslings are bottled in August. The Pinot Noir is fermented in stainless steel and only one or two of the tanks are punched down occasionally for a boost in concentration and tannin. Maceration lasts 10-15 days after which malolactic fermentation is immediately triggered. The wine is then racked into foudres for ageing until it is bottled the following July.
Click here to visit Frederic Mochel
Wines
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