The estate Located at Wolxheim, right in the heart of the « Vignobles de la Couronne d’Or » (Vineyards of the Gold Crown), 20 kms south-west of Strasbourg, this 12 hectare vineyard has managed to retain its family-centred character. Vines planted in the very best ‘terroirs’ - something precious to protect : The whole family shares the same belief: a great wine starts off on its vine! Our grapes are produced in strict accordance with the characteristics of the terroir and its underlying natural balance. Considerable work is carried out in the vineyard with the aim of substantially reducing excessive vine growth, encouraging it to put down deep roots. Revitalising bacterial activity in the soil is another important objective. With this in mind, we plough and cover-plant and we do not use chemical fertilisers or certain phytosanitary (plant protection) products that are damaging to the balance of the animal life that acts as a natural check to disease. Our vineyard is planted on a variety of ‘terroirs’ (soils), all of which have the potential to produce excellent wines on their south, south-west, west or east-facing slopes. Soil types range from limestone/sandstone, limestone–marl, silt-limestone or limestone-clay.
Our greatest success is undoubtedly the Grand Cru Altenberg de Wolxheim (marl-limestone, south-facing). The range of soils in this area is perfect for each of the seven Alsatian grape varieties : Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Muscat and Gewurztraminer, from which are produced the three "Appellations d’Origine Contrôlée" (AOC Alsace, AOC Alsace Grand Cru, AOC Crémant d’Alsace) not to mention the "Vendanges Tardives" and the "Sélection de Grains Nobles". 
The subtle influence of the wine-grower in the process of vinification :Nice, ripe, aromatic grapes have all the ingredients needed to make a great wine. Therefore, it’s not necessary to add in a whole variety of techniques down in the cellar. A gentle, long pressing cycle; long fermentation at a controlled temperature, ageing ‘sur lies’ (on fine lees) until April and careful monitoring are enough to get the full potential from the grape and produce original, elegant wines that bear all the hallmarks of their terroir.
So in fact, the entire philosophy of our job as wine-growers is actually based on restraint !
The Scharsch family
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