Alsace wine producer: Maurice Heckmann, Dahlenheim

Dahlenheim is situated in northern Alsace, not far from the more well known Bergbieten. In fact, Dahlenheim is not even on the wine road so you will not end up in Dahlenheim by accident.

The village has several growers and one Grand Cru, Engelberg. It is quite unknown and overlooked, but records go back to 884. The village is also within the regional delimitation of Coteaux de Mossig. Mossig is a small brook running beneath Engelberg.

Maurice Heckmann is a typical family domaine. In fact, it is the kind of domaine that makes Alsace such a paradise to explore. Heckmann sells the main part of the production to regular customers and to restaurants in the Strasbourg area. The style is classic; typical varietal aroma and taste, a minimum of residual sugar and no malo-lactic fermentation.

I first came across the wines of Maurice Heckmann at the Jours des Grand Crus in Kientzheim in 2005. When we tasted the 2002 Riesling Engelberg after 7 hours and well over 100 Grand Cru, the impression was very, very good. Even among the most reputed high profile houses of Alsace, Maurice Heckmanns defended the position of northern Alsace in general and of Engelberg in particular.

So, please give the small growers that are neglected by the professional wine writers and by the busloads of tourists the recognition they deserve!

Latest visit: 2006

Facts

Mr and Mme Heckmann 72, rue Principal +33 (0)388 50 67 25
+33 (0)388 50 61 89 (fax)
maurice.heckmann@wanadoo.fr
Riesling €4,20
Riesling Finkenberg €5
Riesling Grand Cru Engelberg €8
Dry, classic wines for the table. Very hospitable. Good English. Grands Crus: Engelberg
Lieux-dits: v

Selected representative wines 2006

2004 Pinot Gris Perfectly fresh smoky Pinot Gris nose without to much champignons. Light, elegant taste with superb balance between fruit, sugar and acidity. Perfect on the table! 2004 Riesling Finkenberg Discrete, undeveloped aroma with a hint of citrus. Well crafted with some fruit and fresh acids. 2002 Riesling Grand Cru Engelberg Developed aroma with bothe grapefruit and lemon. Fruity and interesting, elegant taste with very good structure. Some complexity is developing. Absolutely pure. 1999 Riesling Grand Cru Engelberg Aroma with distinct petroleum character. Dry, ripe, taste with fresh and muture fruit in perfect harmony. Typical for a mature 1999, but almost rejected by M Heckmann because of the petrolly character.