Alsace Gewurtztraminer Grand Cru Kaefferfopf 2021 Domaine Camille Braun

The Alsace Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Kaefferkopf 2021 from Domaine Camille Braun comes from a small vineyard with strong character, a granite-based Gewurztraminer in balance, with a ripeness level of 5 out of 6. Kaefferkopf is sun-drenched and granitic: the Gewurztraminer here shows a more tense character than on limestone, combining depth with drinkability.

Terroir and vineyard

Grand Cru Kaefferkopf sits on the heights above Ammerschwihr, far from Orschwihr, on granitic soil with east-facing exposure. The domaine's Gewurztraminer vines were planted in 1983, 1984 and 2006. Granite gives the variety a more marked acidic backbone than most Gewurztraminer. The vines are certified organic and biodynamic (Demeter). Winemaking follows the Demeter charter: temperature-controlled fermentation with native yeasts, lengthy, preserving the wine's natural sweetness, followed by ageing on fine lees in stainless steel until bottling.

Tasting profile

The colour is bright gold with golden reflections. The nose is complex and powerful, with clear varietal character: rose, exotic fruit, spice, underscored by citrus freshness and a warm stone minerality. The palate is full, rich, with balanced sweetness held in check by the acidic spine, and remarkable persistence. Granite keeps it in motion through to a long, slightly saline finish.

The domaine

Heirs to a winemaking tradition dating back to the 17th century, Christophe and Chantal Braun, the third generation of Domaine Camille Braun, work around fifteen hectares in biodynamics at Orschwihr, the first wine village when entering the Alsace vineyard from the south. They hold parcels in the Grand Crus Pfingstberg and Kaefferkopf.

Food pairing

This Gewurztraminer pairs well with foie gras, Asian cuisine, strong cheeses or fruit tart. Serve between 8 and 12 °C. Drink now or keep for around ten years.