Alsace wine producer: Jean Sipp, Ribeauvillé

The Sipp family has been important for viticulture in the prosperous town of Ribeauvillé for generations. Jean Sipp goes back on the 17th century, and has land on the classic vineyards of the village.

The plot is relatively large, with 50 parcels in 5 communes. Jean Sipp is managed by the dynamic Jean-Jaques Sipp. His charisma fills the spacious tasting room, he is enthusiastic and very helpful. He will eventually be succeeded by Jean-Guillaume Sipp who has returned to his Alma Mater from sessions with Zind-Humbrecht, Olivier Lefleive (Bourgogne) and Mont-Redon (Chateauneuf-du-Pape).

The pride of Jean Sipp is a vineyard that rises far above the village, the Lieu-dit Clos Ribeaupierre. This granitic soil offers superb Pinot Gris, not least in lesser years such as 1999.

Everything written about Jean Sipp tends to include a comparison with Louis Sipp. The owners are cousins but the styles differ. The wines of Jean Sipp are softer and more accessible in their youth. The Rieslings of Jean Sipp matures very well and my impression is that they develop less petrolly character then the wines of Louis.

Jean Sipp shows particular strength on Riesling and Muscat. The softer style tends to give Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer with a little less backbone than some may prefer. Jean Sipp is very interested in Pinot Noir and has made very successful experiments with reverse osmosis.

Jean Sipp has a large range of wines, covering a wide range of styles. The common denominator is that they are all very honest wines. In the range, everyone, regardless of preferences will find several personal favourites. Many wines have very good cellaring capability, but why wait that long to enjoy wines from Jean Sipp?

Latest visit: 2012

Facts

Jean-Jaques Sipp 60, rue de la Fraternité +33 (0)389 73 60 02
+33 (0)389 73 82 38 (fax)
domaine@jean-sipp.com
Riesling Vielles Vignes €10
Riesling Grand Cru Kirchberg €18
Supple, well balanced wines. Very welcoming. Do not count on English. Grands Crus: Kirchberg, Osterberg
Lieux-dits: Clos Ribeaupierre, Haguenau, Trottacker

Selected representative wines 2012

2007 Pinot Auxerrois Barriques Generous and developed, buttery aroma of vanilla, coffee and nuts, almost like a Burgundy. The taste is velvety with good volume and lively acids to give a crisp finish. A rather unusual wine that is successful in all vintages, thanks to the vines very great age. Price: € 9. 2009 Riesling Vieilles Vignes Attractive, developed nose with grapefruit, rubber and acacia. Impressive palate with rich fruit, stable acids, fine balance and a nice, sandy minerality in the finish. A wine of high quality! Price: €10. 2008 Riesling Grand Cru Kirchberg Complex and pure scent of orange, honey and mint. The taste is austere, elegant with good fruit in the center and a lovely texture, full of ripe fruit and racy acids. A classic! Price: €18. 2008 Gewurztraminer Cuvée Carole Fresh and complex aroma of roses, ginger, lemon and spices. The taste is big, and fills the mouth with an abundance of fruits. The high level of sweetness is balanced by fresh acidity and an touch of bitterness. This cuvée, named after the daughter, is always a powerful but well balanced wine. Price: € 14.