Alsace : André Kientzler

André Kientzler is a family business wich is making wine for 5 generations . It is located in Ribeauvillé (68150) , route de Bergheim ( On Bergheim road ) . Phone is 0033 (0)3 89 73 67 10 . The vineyards building is just outside Ribeauvillé . It was built 30 years ago amidst vineyards you can see all around . Previously they were in the middle of the village wich as said before, posed a lot of problems because of lack of space in historic farms , and because tourist life , with its hotels , restaurants and pedestrian zones , collide with the daily traffic of viticulture machines and trucks . The new setting offers views on the vineyards, on the village and inbetween , on the Carola plant : Ribeauvillé is not only well known for its wine , but it has water springs and its Carola bottled water is a favorite of alsacians . Carola was even a renowned thermal spring (between 1870 and 1918 , Ribeauvillé was renamed Rappoltsweiler under german rule and a lot of visitors went to "Carolabad" for the health benefits of the water) . On the picture at the top made in Ribeauvillé , you can see the vineyards afar , and a medieval fortress that dominates the place . Alsacian slopes offers many of such fortresses , most in ruins , that tell of unsecure times .
André Kientzler makes all alsacian grape varieties , except Pinot Noir . So , only white grape varieties in this Domaine. Last year was a special year with special weather conditions : Flower time came as early as the end of may , wich is unseen . To compare with 2004 , as of june 8 th , no flower had appeared yet . Usually , it is said that grape harvest comes 100 days after flowering .
Now lets taste . Kietzler's Pinots Blancs are said to be of great interest . So we will begin with them . Click below for the tasting list.

1 : A. Kientzler Pinot d'Alsace 2002 . Dry wine . 6,1 Euro . 2 : A. Kientzler Auxerois "K" 2002 . Aperitif wine . Vegetal aromas , says Benedicte . 9,8 Euro . 3 : A. Kientzler Riesling 2000 ; The generic Riesling . Comes from different vineyard plots , mostly in the plain . Price is 6,7 Euro for the 2001 wine . 4 : A. Kientzler Riesling "Reserve particulière" 2002 9,40 Euro . 5 : A. Kientzler Riesling Osterberg Grand Cru 2001 14,1 Euro . 6 : A. Kientzler Riesling Geisberg Grand Cru 2000 . Vineyard is on a very steep slope . very difficult to work on the vines . Very rich nose . Very fine and long in mouth , says Akiyo .This wine is considered best to drink between 5 and 10 years of age . 18,3 Euro . 7 A. Kientzler Muscat Kirchberg Grand Cru 2001 .This is a dry Muscat as it is favored in Alsace .No residual sugar .Nose : Very perfumed . Dry wine , very floral , very light . For aperitif , or to go with asparagus . 12,8 Euro . 8 A. Kientzler Tokay Pinot Gris Kirchberg 2001 . 25 g. residual sugar . Superb delicate aroma . Very correct . Well exported in northern Europe . Here , sold mostly to restaurants and individuals . 20 Euro . 9 A. Kientzler Gewurztraminer "Vendange Tardive"(Late Harvest) 1999 . Very raisiny . 24 Euro .Haruko looks closer at the growth stage of the grapes

Comments

Geachte Heer,Mevrouw, Graag had ik een adres in de buurt van Schilde Belgie voor de aankoop van " Tokay pinot gris" domaine André Kietzler,van U bekomen.

Beleefde groeten

Michielsen L.

[clark and pam kostner]

Your wonderful wine! My wife and I were at your vinyard a few years ago and among the six wines we carried back was your alsace grand cru 2002 Tokay pinot gris. We opened and enjoyed a bottle tonight with an wonderful chicken, mushroom dish. It was wonderful. I remember we loved it and wanted to bring back more but were unable because of 9/11. We just wanted you to know that we have one bottle of your 02 Gewurztraminer left and are looking forward to the perfect time to open it. Thank you Mr. Kientzler for making some of the best Alsace wine we have ever enjoyed.

Clark and Pam

[helen gore]

who distrubutes your wine in australia