Alsace villages to visit: Katzenthal, Haut-Rhin

Facts

6 km west of Colmar. 172 ha Wineck-Schlossberg, Sommerberg Dorfbourg, Hintenbourg, Phoeller Katzenthal has two nice restaurants, A l'Agneau and Caveaux de Bacchus. Alsace-route-des-vins

Katzenthal is located far into a valley, but the white bell tower reveals its location from far away.

One does not end up in Katzenthal by accident, although it is situated only a kilometer from the busy road that connects Colmar and Kaysersberg. The two nicest way to get there is by the road through the vineyards from Niedersmorschwihr, or by Chemin Kaefferkopf from Ammerschwhir.

On the photograph above, you can locate Katzenthal and other places around the village.

Katzenthal was rebuilt after the war, and is now tranquil, beautiful, and very French. In practice the village is formed by the two streets that begins at the village fountain. Here you can take a look at the commune library, which gives an idea of the structure of public service in France.

Overlooking Katzenthal, the ruins of the 13th century castle Wineck provides a spectacular landmark. It is surrounded by the Grand Cru Wineck-Schlossberg. The vineyard is a granitic terroir, and has still a bit to prove. Fortunately, a new generation of Katzenthal vintners have shown that it is possible to produce wines from Wineck-Schlossberg that possess true Grand Cru qualities.

Although most wines from Wineck-Schlossberg are Rieslings, both Muscat and Pinot Gris perform very well on this fairly cool Grand Cru. Many villagers also own land on Grand Cru Kaefferkopf which will be the prime source of vibrant and fresh Gewurztraminer.

The village has no cooperative, but the CV Turckheim farms a considerable area on Wineck-Schlossberg.

Producers to visit

Ambitious firm enjoying large success on export markets. Makes powerful wines from Kaefferkopf, Wineck-Schlossberg, Schoenenbourg and several Lieux-dits. The style deviates from the more restrained character prevailing in Katzenthal. Bernhard offers a vry, very good and consistent product line, including wines from six Grands Crus. The style is elegant, and Frédéric expresses the terroirs in a great way. Prices are quite moderate, especially in relation to the quality. Biodynamic with consistently improving reputation and vines on Wineck-Schlossberg. The charming owners Cl&eacut;ment and Francine Klur started in 1999 with admireable social, ethical and environmental ambitions. Very good and highly recommended appartments in Katzenthal and Riquewihr, decorated in a very personal kitschy style. Welcoming and competent grower with a long history in the village. The style is full but dry. The outstanding Muscat Wineck-Schlossberg and Riesling Schlossberg are well worth seeking out.