Ollwiller is an Alsace Grand Cru vineyard and corresponding appellation in the village of Wuenheim in Alsace, north-eastern France. It is one of the most southerly of the 51 Grand Cru sites dotted along the eastern slopes of the Vosges Mountains.
(© CIVA / Z Vardon)
Vines have been planted on the Ollwiller site since the 12th century, when the first fortified settlements were constructed here. In modern times, it is one of the lesser-known vineyards, somewhat overshadowed by the impressive geology and rich wines of its more-prestigious southern neighbor, Rangen, six miles (10km) to the south.
One of the lowest-lying Grand Crus, Ollwiller sits at an altitude of around 1000ft (305m), while Rangen's steep slopes reach 1525ft (465m). Ollwiller's vines are planted on 89 acres (36ha) of relatively gentle slopes with a south and south-easterly aspect. The soils have a high proportion of sand, particularly in the higher sections. This is the result of sandstone being eroded from the sides of the upper Vosges during the last period of glaciation.
The climate of the area is of continental type with marked low rainfall, resulting from the rain shadow cast by the Vosges. The mountains also provide protection from the revailing westerly winds, making the Alsatian summer one of 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. Being located slightly lower down, Ollwiller is subject to spring frosts and freezing mists which gather on the plain on cold mornings.
Ollwiller Grand Cru wines are varietals made from Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris or Muscat. Riesling and Gewurztraminer are the grapes most suited to Ollwiller's specific terroir. They produce a relatively restrained style of wine, with a balance of varietal fruit and subtle mineral notes, accompanied by characteristically high acidity.
