(© CIVA / Z Vardon)
Saering is an Alsace Grand Cru vineyard and corresponding appellation in the village of Guebwiller in Alsace, north-eastern France, particulalrly known for its white wine from the Riesling grape variety. It is among the more southerly of the 51 Grand Cru sites dotted along the eastern slopes of the Vosges Mountains. The vineyard is one of several in the immediate area, sharing the lower slopes of a single hillside with its neighbors, Kitterle and Kessler.
Though Riesling is the predominant grape variety here, Gewurztraminer and Muscat are also successful. They produce a relatively restrained style of wine, with a balance of varietal fruit, florality and subtle mineral notes, plus characteristically high acidity.
Saering is one of the lowest-lying of the Alsace Grand Crus, sitting at an altitude of around 260 to 300 meters (850 - 980 feet) on the slopes immediately below the Kessler Grand Cru site. The vines here are planted on 27 hectares (67 acres) of relatively gentle slopes, with a mostly southeasterly aspect. There is a natural ridge running along the lower eastern end of the vineyard, where the gradient becomes noticeably steeper. This is an outcrop of sandstone-covered granite which has escaped the complete effects of weathering and glaciation. In general, the site's soils are stony and silica-rich with heavy sandy marl, and so very suited to Riesling, though there are patches of deeper soil with more chalk.
Though proximity to the Lauch river provides some protection, Saering's lower slopes are prone to spring frosts, which are potentially damaging to the vines' new and vulnerable buds.
