Alsace wine producer: Martin Schaetzel, Ammerschwihr

Perfection to the smallest detail, it is a good way to describe the domaine Martin Schaetzel.

Martin Schaetzel is a fairly small domaine of 12 hectares, located in central Ammerschwihr and was until 2010 run by Jean Schaetzel, a professor at the oenological college in Rouffach. Now, Michel Vié has in charge, in the spirit of Jean. Despite its modest size, Schaetzel has more than 30 wines on its list, including as many as 10 Riesling. Only from Grand Cru Kaefferkopf they offer different cuvées representing distinctly different geologies in the notoriously heterogeneous Kaefferkopf. Jean Schaetzel successfully captures the character from their various vineyards, thanks to the low-intervention, organic approach which highlights the influence of the terroir. This can only be understood if you are on site and may be privileged to compare wines of the same grape variety and vintage in parallel.

Unlike most other small producers, Schaetzel does not actively advertise themselves to occasional visitors to the region. The fact, the address does not even appear on the village's official guide plate. The sign on the street is reduced a minimum of Alsace and visitors should call ahead. But well in place, you will be receiving extremely friendly, generously and professionally in every respect. The product list is a well written, well designed booklet with a lot of information about the wines.

Year after year, Schaetzel is recognised by La Revue du Vin de France for his wines. But do not only look focus on the most exclusive wines. All wines, from the modest Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois to epitomes such as the Grands Crus Kaefferkopf, Schlossberg and Ranger are all extremely well made and are just saturated with pure quality.

Do not miss Martin Schaetzel - it is a real gem!

First visit: 2010. Latest visit: 2013.

Facts

Michel Vié 3, Rue de la 5ème Division Blindée, Ammerschwihr +33 (0)389 47 11 39
jean.schaetzel@wanadoo.fr
Riesling €5,80
Riesling Grand Cru Kaefferkopf €16
Riesling Grand Cru Rangen €32
Elegant wines with a subtance and remarkable finesse, second to none. Very warm and professional. Grands Crus: Eichberg, Kaefferkopf, Pfersigberg and Rangen
Lieux-dits: Rosenbourg

Representative wines 2013

2011 Muscat Clean, spicy and fresh scent of crushed grapes, honeysuckle, mint and a little pepper. Light and elegant flavor with hints of cherry, lively acid, layers of silky fruit and elegant finish.. 2010 Riesling Côtes d'Ammerschwihr Relatively closed, young aroma of yellow apples, lime and a touch of butter and hazelnut. The taste is firm and focused, in line with the aroma. 2011 Riesling Grand Cru Kaefferkopf Generous aromas of plums, pears, Gravensteiner apples and a touch of smoke. Velvety, vibrant palate with fresh acidity, astringency and lovely refreshing saltiness in the very long aftertaste. 2010 Pinot Gris Cuvée Lili Fresh aromas of caramel, coffee, dried fruit and hints of the gentle oak treatement. Smooth, clean, fruity taste with a dense structure, strong acidity and a very long aftertaste. An intriguing, experimental cuvée in a dry style that is becoming more common in Alsace.