All the secrets behind the terroir at Domaine Siebert
All the secrets behind the terroir at Domaine Siebert
Geological heritage
Wolxheim is characterized by a complex geological context thanks to its position close to the Bruche river during the collapse of the Rhine Gap.
The Grand Cru Altenberg de Wolxheim was created in 1975. In the heart of the Horn and the Grand Cru Altenberg de Wolxheim, the terroirs are marl and limestone of the
Bajocian (also called Dogger or Middle Jurassic). A history of 170 million years. We find marls with nodules (Marls of Gundershoffen), calcareous sandstones and colluvium at the bottom of the plots.
Over time
To the west of the Grand Cru, the terroirs are marl and sandstone from the Lower Triassic period, witnessing an older history of 250 million years. There are also sandstones containing shells. It is here, moreover, that we find the royal quarries. Their name refers to the visit of Louis XIV in 1683. The quarries are composed of sandstone and clayey sandstone with different colors. They were exploited for 4 centuries, notably for the construction of the fortifications of Strasbourg by Vauban. To the east of the Grand Cru, the terroirs are clay-limestone from the Quaternary period, witnessing a more recent history of about 20 million years. There are clayey limestones and marls.
Geological heritage
The book “Topographie de tous les vignobles connus” by André Jullien, quotes the village of Wolxheim
“Wolxheim, canton of Molsheim, three leagues and a quarter from Strasbourg, produces wines known
as Riesling, named after the grape that produces them […], which are comparable to the best sweet
wines of the Haut-Rhin department, and enjoy an equal reputation.
From the Terroir to the glass
