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 style differs. 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 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 everyone 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: 2006

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 Cuvée S €6.80
Riesling Vielles Vignes €8.70
Riesling Grand Cru Kirchberg €14
Suppl, well balanced wines. Very welcoming. Do not count on English. Grands Crus: Kirschberg, Osterberg
Lieux-dits: Clos Ribeaupierre, Haguenau, Trottacker

Selected representative wines 2006

2005 Muscat Restrained, fresh aroma with many dimensions. Very pure, supple taste with good structure. 2005 Riesling Réserve Young, fresh aroma with some citrus. A bit rough Riesling-taste with high, elegant acidity and good fruit. At one year of age, it needs some more time to become a unity. A promising and very good effort at this level! 2002 Riesling Grand Cru Kirschberg Complete, pure and complex aroma with some petrol. Full, inviting taste with outstanding balance, the typical minerality of Ribeauvillé and a long aftertaste. A superb gastronomic wine that will have a very, very long life. Unless you drink it. 1999 Pinot Gris Clos Ribeaupierre Extraordinary bouquet aroma with all kinds of flowers and a fascinating smoky character. Powerful, yet elegant taste that matches the bouquet. A concentrated wine (yield 30 hl/ha) that have spent two months on oak. A winner!