Tradition
The ancestors of the family have been winegrowers in Turckheim since the 17th century. At the beginning of the 20th century, like many others in the region, the vineyard suffered from the phylloxera crisis and the wars, and only began to run at a slower pace after the Second World War. The wine or grapes were then sold to the wine trade.
A decisive turning point was reached when, at the beginning of the 1970s, Emile and Anne-Marie Herzog decided to replant and rehabilitate a certain number of plots. A first plot of Gewurztraminer was replanted at the beginning of 1974. The plot of Tokay Grand Cru Brand was replanted the same year. These gave a first harvest in 1976, an exceptional year in terms of quality. It is also our first bottling under the name "Emile Herzog". Successively, other plots of land were put back into production, which has been uninterrupted ever since.
Vinification
We try to combine modern and traditional techniques in the best possible way. Thus, from the beginning of the 1990s our cellar was equipped with a pneumatic press allowing us to obtain an optimum quality from the first stages of vinification and on small quantities of grapes.
Since 1997, temperature control equipment has enabled us to precisely control the fermentation process and thus to manage this decisive phase for the finesse of the aromas in an ideal way. But it is a workhorse that in recent years has been used to carry out the winter ploughing on the hillsides and plains of our old vines.
The harvest is done completely by hand in a traditional and friendly atmosphere. Small bins prevent the grapes from being crushed, so that they are preserved as much as possible until they arrive at the press where they are pressed into whole berries.
Awards
Our wines are regularly awarded prizes or mentioned in wine guides. The different plots are located in the immediate surroundings of Turckheim. Each plot has its own specific geological characteristics and is therefore particularly well suited to one or the other grape variety: soils resulting from the alteration of the granite known as "two mica granite" typical of Turckheim (Grand Cru Brand, Pinot Gris, Riesling) or of an alluvial nature (Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Chasselas, Pinot Noir), aeolian deposits of loess (Riesling).
Geology and climate
The soils of our plots show a great geological diversity typical of the region and which is the consequence of the collapse of the Rhine ditch. This geological diversity constitutes an exceptional richness for Alsace and results in specific characteristics for wines made from the same grape variety but grown on different soils. The main types of soil found in Turckheim are the following:
- granitic arena type soils resulting from the degradation of granites (located on the slopes of the Brand)
- soils made up of loess (aeolian deposits dating back to the ice ages, located in the plains)
- soils consisting of alluvial deposits brought by the Fecht (located in the plain)
Experience acquired from generation to generation allows us to determine for each type of soil the most suitable grape variety that will give the wine with the best typicity.
The micro-climate in the immediate surroundings of Colmar is quite specific and has long been favourable to the production of wines of excellent quality:
- a rainfall of only 600 mm/year due to the protection offered by the natural barrier of the Vosges Mountains against the prevailing westerly winds.
- exceptional sunshine due to the föhn effect
- an East/South-East exposure of the slopes
The work in the vineyard
Our main objective is to make quality wines while respecting traditions and the environment and taking into account the technical progress compatible with this production ethic. We take pleasure in sharing our passion with other wine lovers as well as preserving a heritage rich in history and flavours.
But it is a workhorse that in recent years has been used to carry out the winter ploughing on the hillsides and plains of our old vines.
We ourselves restore the dry stone walls of our hillside plots, which are home to a very special fauna such as green lizards. These walls also protect the land from erosion and at night they release part of the heat stored during the day, thus helping the grapes to ripen.
Vigneron indépendant
The independent winegrower (vigneron indépendant) cultivates his vines while preserving his terroir.
From this grape "his" wine is born. He loves his vines and devotes time to them. The right grape produces the right wine. By respecting his terroir, he knows his land well and cultivates it according to the best cultural and ecological practices. For the Independent Winemaker, it is essential to protect the landscapes and biodiversity of his terroir by practising healthy and sustainable viticulture for the benefit of all.
The Independent Winemaker produces his wine in his cellar.
He makes his own wine, vinifies or distils it and raises it with care. His wine is not an industrial product, it is artisan and unique. It is a profession with know-how, experience, patience and love that resists standardization. Vinification and distillation are delicate operations whose smooth running is determined by the expertise of the independent winemaker.
The independent winemaker sells his wine by sharing his passion.
He sells his wine directly to his customers according to the distribution channel he chooses. He likes to explain his profession whenever he can, especially when he meets his customers. He promotes the logo and proudly shows the values of the movement of Vignerons indépendants.
HVE certification
The added value of biodiversity on our estate confirmed
We have always been committed to running our business with the greatest respect for the environment. It was in the air of time to validate this state of mind by an adequate certification.
The High Environmental Value (HVE) approach appeared to be the most appropriate for our way of working, particularly because of one of its components which emphasises respect for biodiversity. Following specific training, various formal and practical steps, a pre-audit and then a final audit, we finally obtained the HVE level 3 certificate issued by Bureau Veritas.
Confirming a work of several decades, in particular for the reconstruction and the systematic protection of the dry-stone walls, fruit of the work of several generations of wine growers and so representative of our vineyard landscapes, the requirements concerning biodiversity are fulfilled to 130 % on our estate.
Vins d‘Alsace Emile HERZOG
Propriétaire-Viticulteur
28, rue du Florimont
68230 TURCKHEIM
France
Phone: (+33) 03 89 27 08 79
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Our wines should be drunk in moderation and appreciated, because excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to health.
Our wines should be drunk in moderation and appreciated, because excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to health.