Geisberg is a vineyard situated in the commune of Ribeauvillé, in the Alsace Grand Cru appellation of northeastern France. It is one of three grand cru vineyards that sit above the northern side of Ribeauvillé, each occupying a distinct part of the hillside. Kirchberg is the highest and most westerly of the three, while Osterberg sits to the east – as per its name, meaning "East Hill".
Geisberg occupies the lower section, sweeping from south to east around the apex of the hillside. The name Geisberg is a derivative of the German for "goat mountain" (Geiß Berg). Covering approximately 9 hectares (22 acres), the slopes of Geisberg are terraced and rise steeply above the town, stretching from 820 to 1050ft (250 to 320m). These slopes are south-facing, allowing for full sunshine exposure during the day and throughout the growing season, thereby promoting the early vine flowering. The vineyard's stone walls, too, are able to capture and store the sun's heat, helping to lengthen the grape ripening process.
©Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins d'Alsace (CIVA)
This longer ripening period is also aided by a particular peculiarity unique to this Alsace Grand Cru – the Tahlwendala. These nighttime winds reduce the detrimental effects of the summer sun and help to retain good levels of acidity in Geisberg wines.
The bedrock beneath Geisberg is composed of stratified marlstone and limestone formed in the Triassic and Jurassic periods, respectively. This is covered with a thin layer of relatively free-draining soil consisting of loose sandstone and traces of gypsum, a saline mineral found in only a few of Alsace's vineyards. There is also a significant clay component to the soils here with good water-retention properties, which prove invaluable in Alsace's characteristically dry climate.
Riesling dominates Geisberg's slopes, producing fine wines with a distinctive minerality. In fact, Geisberg's wines have been widely documented since the 14th Century and, in 1983, the vineyard was awarded its Alsace Grand Cru status. The vineyard also boasts a large proportion of old vines, with some parcels averaging more than 60 years old.
Maison Trimbach, Robert Faller et Fils and Domaine Kientzler rank among some of Geisberg's top producers.
