Grand Cru d'Alsace "Steinert"

South of Pfaffenheim, facing east, the Steinert covers 38,90 ha and is he steepest slope of the locality. Its soil, almost entirely limestone, is dry and filtering. It forms an homogenous terroir of Oolithic Dogger, covered on its lower slopes by a scree of similar stones, hence the name Steinert. The geological conditions have a strong influence on the choice of varietal and its method of cultivation. Rootstock of low vigour, very resistant to active limestone content and to drought, is therefore necessary. Taking these factors into consideration, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Riesling predominate on the Steinert. In 1150, the Benedictine Convent of Muri (Switzerland), and the dioceses of Basle and Strasbourg, owned vineyards on the Steinert, producing wines for the personal and gourmet needs of the priors and bishops of the various congregations.
Steinert wines are noted for their full, complex aromas, notably after ageing.