Albert Klee

Located in the heart of the Alsace terroir, the Albert Klee vineyard covers five hectares of AOC Alsace and Alsace Grand Cru and has been perpetuating the winegrowing tradition from father to son since 1624. Today, Odile, Albert and their son Jean-François manage the entire estate: vineyard, cellar and marketing.

A terroir

The estate's vineyards stretch around the village of Katzenhal. The soils on which they grow are clay-limestone, marl-limestone, granitic and sandy-clay. The vineyards are located on hillsides, which allow rain to run off, guaranteeing a level of water stress favorable to good grape ripening.

The slope also provides full south/southeast exposure and therefore moderate sunshine. This enables the vines to produce polyphenols, resulting in richer grapes for full-bodied, complex and structured wines.

These soils are home to seven grape varieties, six of them white (Sylvaner, Pinot Auxerrois, Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer) and one red (Pinot Noir).

A philosophy

Albert Klee Vineyards is also a philosophy of meticulous work and respect for the environment.

The load on each vine (the number of bunches) is monitored and adapted to the vine's potential. The aim is to obtain controlled yields and higher-quality wines. To combat vine diseases as effectively as possible, while respecting the environment, the estate has been working for several years to implement integrated farming methods.

The Albert Klee vineyard is also committed to sustainable agriculture. The aim is to reduce the use of phytosanitary products and unnatural treatments. Chemical weeding has been replaced by mechanical weeding. In short, it combines sustainable agriculture, consumer and winegrower health and environmental preservation.

Wines

The Klee family's philosophy and the quality of the terroirs on which they grow their vines produce fine, racy wines typical of their grape varieties. The wines are expressive and well-balanced on the palate, reflecting the ripeness and freshness of the harvest.

Let's take two wines: the Grand Cru Kaefferkopf Gewurztraminer and the Pinot Gris Vieilles Vignes.

The Grand Cru Kaefferkopf Gewurztraminer is vinified as a single-varietal Gewurtz and offers a complex aromatic palette. The nose is intense, including exotic fruits, flowers, citrus and spices. There are also notes of honey and ripe fruit. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, well-structured and fleshy. It can be kept for a good ten years.

The Pinot Gris Vieilles Vignes is vinified as a single-varietal Pinot Gris. Its nose combines honey, yellow fruit, beeswax, and some smoky, undergrowth notes. On the palate, the attack is frank and full, while retaining a lovely freshness. A wine balanced between power, softness and finesse. Wait two years before drinking, and keep for up to ten years.