Moenchberg is a named vineyard of the Alsace Grand Cru appellation, meaning that Moenchberg may be used as part of the appellation title on wine labels. It is divided between the communes of Andlau and Eichhoffen, and is amongst the most southerly of the Grand Crus in the Bas-Rhin sub-region of Alsace. The site has been cultivated since the 11th century, as confirmed by records kept by the monks of the nearby Altdorf Abbey. Moenchberg should not be confused with its neighbor Muenchberg, two miles (3km) to the south. Confusingly, both names mean 'Hill of the Monks'.
(© CIVA)
The Moenchberg vineyard is shaped like a horseshoe, with its central vines facing perfectly south-east. This means that they are able to capitalize on the gentle ripening rays of the morning sun while being spared the harsh rays of the late afternoon. The vines rise from 755 to 885ft (230–260m) immediately west of Eichhoffen, covering nearly 30 acres (12ha) of limestone-rich clay soils.
The climate throughout Alsace is of continental type, with particularly low rainfall – a result of the rain shadow cast by the Vosges. The mountains also provide protection from the prevailing westerly winds, making the Alsatian summer amongst the driest and warmest in the northern half of France. At the other end of the temperature scale, the winters here are cold; it is not uncommon to see Alsace vineyards lined with snow.
Apart from a few notable exceptions, all Alsace Grand Cru wines are varietals and may be made from Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris or Muscat. Moenchberg specializes in Alsace's key grape variety: Riesling.
