Alsace wine producer: Cave Vinicole Hunawihr

The cooperatives are very important for the wine business in Alsace. In the region, there are 10 000 growers but "only" 1 500 producers. The balance, who often have just a few hectares, sell their grapes to the local cooperative.

The cooperatives were instrumental in the restructuring of the wine business after World War II. At that that time, 50 000 young men were either lost in or recovering from the service in Wehrmacht, many families has lost all their belongings. Few families had the possibility to re-invest in equipment.

Cave Vinicole Hunawihr was formed in 1952 and has 120 members. In 2005, the respected journal Revue des vins de France ranked CV Hunawihr as no 3 of alla cooperatives in the country on a list headed by la Chablisienne.

Since the Napoleon days, each child has equal right to inherit. In both Burgundy and Alsace this has let to a severe fragmentation of the vineyards. Typically, a family estate farms some 50 parcels. In such a situation, serious cooperatives such as CV Hunawihr has, and takes, the chance to produce large quantities of terroir wines from several Grands Crus and Lieux-dits in many communes.

Cave Vinicole Hunawihr offers wines that are typical and well made, at very attractive prices. CV Hunawihr brings out all the typical characteristics of the terroirs but of course, in comparison with the top estate producers, to a lesser extent. The concentration of the wines is very good considering the huge quantities and the inevitable variations in grape quality.

In addition, the tasting room is open daily 8-18.

Latest visit: 2005

Facts

- 48, Route de Ribeauvillé +33 (0)389 73 61 67
+33 (0)389 73 33 95 (fax)
info@cave-hunawihr.com
Riesling Génerique €4.50
Riesling Muehlforst €6
Riesling Rosacker €8
Well made typical wines. Welcoming but varying. Grands Crus: Froehn, Schoenenbourg, Rosacker, Osterberg, Sporen
Lieux-dits: Muhlforst

Selected representative wines 2005

2002 Riesling Muhlforst Classic aroma of honey and petroleum and a touch volatile acidity. The taste is medium-bodied, with the good structure and the typical grapefruit character of the terroir. A super value. 2000 Riesling Grand Cru Osterberg Very fine aroma of lime, candied lemons and sweet, mature fruit. Well built, fruity taste with fine, lingering acidity and the typical minerality of Ribeauvillé. A wine that has developed beautifully over 5 years! 1998 Pinot Gris Sélection de grains nobles Dense, restrained fresh aroma of all figs, raisins and dried apricots. Pure, long, fresh taste with vibrant acidity.