HENRI KIEFFFER, RIESLING S 2019

The Henri Kieffer winery is located in an area of ​​Europe, on the wine route between Strasbourg and Colmar, with a peculiar history. Blienschwiller, a small village located in the heart of Alsace, belonged alternately to German and French domains over the centuries. This history of obstacles faced by the population resulted in Franco-Germanic influences that are noticeable in the wines produced in the region.

Henri Kieffer’s products clearly reflect the reputation of Alsace and the success achieved by this producer. The winery produces seven grape varieties and is renowned for the quality of its Riesling, which accounts for 45% of the total planted area. All the vines on its more than eight hectares have been hand-picked since the first bottling in 1947 by Henri Kieffer, grandfather of Joel Kieffer, who is currently in charge of the estate. The winery currently exports around 70% of its production.

In the 19th century, Blienschwiller experienced a population boom that impoverished its inhabitants, suffered from epidemics such as miliary tuberculosis and smallpox, and experienced a rural exodus between 1860 and 1910. Added to this, the annexation of the village to the German Empire contributed to a scenario of great uncertainty. The following century, with the two World Wars and new alternations between France and Germany in the domination of the region, was no less complicated. During the First World War, for example, the death of 16 people caused a significant impact, due to the small number of inhabitants in the village.

In 1945, when the region returned to French rule, the wine world was organized. Blienschwiller producers formed a union to begin pushing for legislation, which culminated in the recognition of the Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) for Alsace wines in 1962. After the war, winemakers worked to restore the lost quality, and today the village boasts a reputation as a producer of great wines.