(© CIVA / Z Vardon)
Wiebelsberg is a named vineyard of the Alsace Grand Cru appellation, located in the commune of Andlau. It is one of two local Grand Cru vineyards, along with its neighbor, Kastelberg.
The Wiebelsberg slopes rises steeply from 722 to 985ft (230–300m) immediately above Andlau, covering 31 acres (12.5ha) of sandstone-dominated, free-draining soils. The slopes face south-south-west, meaning that they benefit from full exposure to sunshine throughout the day, resulting in a rich, ripe style of wine.
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.
Other than a few notable exceptions, all Alsace Grand Cru wines are varietals and may be made from Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris or Muscat. Wiebelsberg specializes in Alsace's key grape variety: Riesling.
