by Ida Bini (ANSA) – KAYSERSBERG, 11 NOV – There are 4 itineraries that the French region of Alsace, in the north-east of the country, almost on the border with Germany, has created to make the territory and its products known. The new and prestigious “Wine Roads”, which are part of the historic route des vins oldest in France born around 1950, go through enchanting villages and vineyards as far as the eye can see that in these autumn weeks are enriched with a excellent gastronomic offer. 51 Grands Crus are part of the Alsatian territory, officially recognized vineyards with four grape varieties: Riesling, Moscato, Pinot Grigio and Gewurztraminer. Each Grand Cru has its own geological identity which gives it a particular intensity, consistency and aromas of infinite finesse. Furthermore, all Alsatian wines allow surprising combinations with every traditional dish: from seafood to white meats, from cheeses to desserts.
The first wine route is that of Mambourg-Sigolsheim within the municipality of Kaysersberg Vignoble, where the vineyards form the backdrop to its picturesque half-timbered houses. On the hills that draw this route, delimited by explanatory panels, you will discover typical and aging wines.
The entire itinerary among the vineyards and cellars can be done independently or with an organized visit. The base for discovering the vineyards is the village of Kaysersberg, which fascinates with the fairytale atmosphere of its richly decorated half-timbered houses, the Renaissance town hall and its famous fortified bridge. On the heights, the ruins of a castle stand out in the heart of a vineyard. Kaysersberg is also famous for being the birthplace of Albert Schweitzer, Nobel Peace Prize winner in 1952, whose birthplace has now been converted into a museum. Not far away, in Kientzheim, is the Musée du Vignoble et des Vins d’Alsace which pays homage to winemakers through a rich collection of tools and wine presses (musee-du-vignoblealsace.fr).
The second suggested route is the Rangen wine trail, the southernmost vineyard in Alsace and the steepest, characterized by gentle slopes and a one-of-a-kind Grand Cru. Its hills covered with vineyards can be visited with a guardavigne, formerly called bangard, who took care of the rows and crops. The volcanic soils marked by the presence of the River Thur and the steep slopes produce concentrated and deep wines that are preserved for a long time. The third route is the Westhoffen wine route, a small and charming village and capital of the cherry; it extends between vineyards and forests. The route also passes through the immense Orchard cherry orchard, which has 60 varieties of fruit trees. The 19 explanatory panels along the itinerary allow you to make independent and free visits.
Here, too, the wineries offer inspections and tastings of organic wines. Near Strasbourg, the wine trail of the Hunawihr Grand Crus winds its way, which can be covered on foot or by mountain bike. Here we visit the cellars and vineyards of Hunawihr, a typical Alsatian village and among the most beautiful in France, and 7 of the largest local wine-growing sites: Marckrain, Sonnenglanz, Mandelberg, Schoenenbourg, Sporen, Froehn and Rosacker. Finally, about 3 kilometers from the village of Hunawihr is Ribeauvillé, famous for its castles and a 400-year-old “maison”. Dominated by three fortified manors, the small town reveals itself among defensive towers, flowered half-timbered houses, cobbled streets crossed by canals and bridges that flow along rows overflowing with grapes and squares adorned with Renaissance-style fountains. It also boasts the oldest cooperative winery in France, which dates back to 1895, where you can get to know the Alsatian vineyards with guided tours. Not to be missed is a visit to the Maison Trimbach, thirteen generations of winemakers who have succeeded each other since 1626, in the heart of Ribeauvillé. The prestigious winery continues to produce an excellent and balanced Riesling wine. For more information: routedesvins.alsace and it.france.fr (ANSA).
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Source From: Ansa
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