Alsace wine producer: Etienne Loew, Westhoffen

Etienne Loew belongs to the young generation of well educated oenologists in their 30s that will give us so much bottled joy during the decades to come. Several in this group is portrayed on this website. Together this group represent several philosophies and styles.

Etienne Loew works out of Westhoffen, in the very north of the vineyards of Alsace. Westhoffen is situated in surroundings shaped like in an amphitheater. The geography causes clouds carrying rain to take routes either north or south of the village. The area is warm and dry and the exact exposition of a vineyard is not decisive for the maturation of the grapes.

However, the geology in and around Westhoffen is very complex. For example, several types of marl add to the diversity of the wines of Etienne Loew.

Westhoffen has only two producers, despite 129 ha of vineyards. Hence, most of the productions is poured into the anonymity of the cooperatives and recoltants.

Etienne Loew came back to take charge of the family firm in 1996 after spending time in Oregon. The firm farms only 4 ha, which is the ceiling of the production capacity at present. Etienne Loew has not a single wine that can be considered a standard product. All wines are very individual and form a collection of small masterpieces.

Etienne Loew sells his wines quite young and the yields are kept low and the level of extract is high. Therefore, if you visit the domaine you must be aware that the wines presented may need a few years no become fully integrated.

Latest visit: 2006

Facts

Etienne Loew 28, rue Birris. +33 (0)388 50 59 19 (also fax)
+33 (0)681 58 08 01 (mobile)
etienne.loew@wanadoo.fr
Alsace Génerique €6
Riesling Bruderbach €10
Riesling Altenberg de Bergbieten €10.50
Personal, full and complex wines including many surprises. Serious, cheerful and generous. Perfect English. Grands Crus: Altenberg de Bergbieten, Engelberg
Lieux-dits: Bruderbach, Cormier, Ostenberg

Selected representative wines 2006

2005 Muscat Marnes Vertes Almost white. This model Muscat displays a grapy aroma, passion fruit and a hint of mint from 1/3 of Muscat à petits grains. The taste bears has astringency typical of marly terroirs. One of the most attractive Muscats I have come across. 2005 Riesling Muschelkalk Just bottled when tasted, therefore carrying an aroma of pears. Complete, fresh, fruity and elegant taste that will develop some minerality. 2004 Riesling Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergheim Fresh, restrained, complex aroma with fresh citrus. Very firm, super spicy taste with some sweetness and marvellous, refined acidity supported by a great backbone. 2005 Gewurztraminer Ostenberg Young, undeveloped scent of lemon and roses, reminding of the Gertrud Jekyll English rose. Rich, elegant citrus taste with huge acidity that balances a full 60 g/liter of residual sugar. Stunning.