Steinklotz is a Grand Cru vineyard of the Alsace wine region in north-eastern France. It is located in the commune of Marlenheim, in the Bas-Rhin administrative departement.
Bas-Rhin covers a similar surface area to Haut-Rhin, but is home to just a fraction of Alsace's Grand Cru vineyards. This is the result of the local topography, which is markedly flatter and less defined than further south (the Vosges mountains are lower-lying and less dense in Bas-Rhin than in Haut-Rhin). The main spine of the mountains peters away to the west of Praelatenberg and Frankstein, rising again for only ten miles (16km) between Frankstein and Kirchberg de Barr. To the north of this there are only five Grand Crus, of which Steinklotz is one; it is the finest of the group.
(© CIVA)
The Steinklotz vineyard covers just over 100 acres (40ha) of relatively steep south-facing slopes, rising from 655 to 985ft (200–300m) right above northern Dahlenheim. This south-easterly aspect means that the vines benefit from maximum exposure to morning sunshine throughout the growing season. By ripening slowly but surely, and avoiding the harsher rays of the afternoon sun, Steinklotz grapes produce wines with good complexity, well-balanced sugars and acids, and excellent ageing potential.
The thin soils across the Steinklotz vineyard are famously rich in limestone – the result of being located on a large limestone hill (a straggling outpost of the lower Vosges). While the loose topsoil helps with drainage, the lower strata retain water reasonably well, helping the vines to survive in Alsace's famously dry climate. This combination forces the vines to create strong, healthy root systems and means that they penetrate deep into the 'terroir' in search of water.
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 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.
Apart from a few notable exceptions, all Alsace Grand Cru wines are varietals and may be made from Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris or Muscat. Engelberg specializes in Alsace's key grapes: Riesling and Gewurztraminer.
