Profile of Zeyssolff
Those who fear the corporatization and homogenization of wine should head to the Alsace wine region. This a region where family-owned wineries rule the roost, and traditions have been passed down from generation to generation, encompassing many centuries of expertise. In Alsace, decisions are taken according to quality considerations rather than at the behest of accountants. Nowhere is this more true than at Zeyssolff.
The Zeyssolff family has a history as long as Alsace itself. In the 16th century, two Zeyssollf brothers involved in the legal profession received a family crest for services to the city of Strasbourg. However, their first foray into winemaking did not occur until the 18th century, when Jean-Daniel Zeyssolff, a local winemaker in the village of Gertwiller, founded Maison Zeyssolff in 1778. The winery prospered under his stewardship, with Alsatian wines’ reputation spreading across all corners of France and indeed Europe. Successive generations continued the family line, making key decisions that would further strengthen the already formidable reputation of Zeyssolff’s wines. Overcoming the hardships of two World Wars, the winery greeted the late 20th century with a renewed sense of optimism and purpose. In 1960, Zeyssolff became one of the first Alsatian wineries to bottle its wines onsite, rather than selling barrels to merchants for distribution. A new generation took over in 1997 when Yvan Zeyssolff was handed the reigns of this great estate. Part of his vision for the future involved embracing eco-friendly viticulture, and the estate is currently converting to organic methods of viticultural management. Zeyssolff may be a tradition-bound winery, but this family is not afraid of moving with the times. Their prospects are looking pretty healthy as of 2019. The family is at the forefront of expanding oenotourism in Alsace, which started with opening their first shop called “Au Péché Vigneron,” where visitors could buy a range of regional delicacies. A modern, plush new tourism space was then completed in 2015, encompassing a boutique, wine bar, a sensorial area, a tea shop, and a projection room.
Despite all the impressive bells and whistles, the core focus at Zeyssolff remains to produce terroir-driven, inimitable wines. Racy Riesling, voluptuous Pinot Noir, complex, aromatic Pinot Gris – indifference to these wines is impossible. There are no corners cut at Zeyssolff, no decisions taken purely to save a dime. The commitment to quality at this charming family-run winery is paramount, and the results breathtaking. These are Alsatian wines at their very best.
Wines produced
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Riesling Reserve 2018
100% Riesling. Hand-harvested grapes are pressed before the must is cooled to 12°c (53°F) to allow cold settling. The must is then fermented in foudres (oak casks), racked and stabilized. After ageing on the lees (dead yeast cells), the wines are bottled and then stored for 3 to 6 months minimum, before being sold.
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Muscat Reserve 2018
100% Muscat. Hand-harvested grapes are pressed before the must is cooled to 12°c (53°F) to allow cold settling. The must is then fermented in foudres (oak casks), racked and stabilized. After ageing on the lees (dead yeast cells), the wines are bottled and then stored for 3 to 6 months minimum, before being sold.
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Pinot Gris Zeyssolff Cuvee Z 2015
100% Pinot Gris. Hand-harvested grapes from the village of Gertwiller are pressed before the must is cooled to 12°c (53°F) to allow cold settling. The must is then fermented in foudres (oak casks), racked and stabilized. After ageing on the lees (dead yeast cells), the wines are bottled and then stored for 3 to 6 months minimum, before being sold.
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Pinot Noir Zeyssolff Cuvee Z 2017
100% Pinot Noir. Hand-harvested grapes are pressed before the must is cooled to 12°c (53°F) to allow cold settling. The must is then fermented in foudres (oak casks), racked and stabilized. The wine is aged in oak for 11 months before being bottled and then stored for 3 to 6 months minimum, before being sold.
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Klevener de Heiligenstein Zeyssolff Cuvee Z 2017
100% Klevener de Heiligenstein. Hand-harvested grapes from the vineyard of Heliigenstein are pressed before the must is cooled to 12°c (53°F) to allow cold settling. The must is then fermented in foudres (oak casks), racked and stabilized. After ageing on the lees (dead yeast cells), the wines are bottled and then stored for 3 to 6 months minimum, before being sold. A totally unique wine style from Alsace.
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Riesling Grand Cru Zotzenberg Zeyssolff 2017
100% Riesling. Produced from Grand Cru grapes, the must is cooled to 12°c (53°F) to allow cold settling. The must is then fermented in foudres (oak casks), racked and stabilized. After ageing on the lees (dead yeast cells), the wines are bottled and then stored for 3 to 6 months minimum, before being sold. A Grand Cru Riesling, suitable for extended cellaring.
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Pinot Gris Sélections Grains Nobles Zeyssolff 2015
100% Pinot Gris. Grapes affected with botrytis are harvested and subject to an ended and very gentle pressing. The must is cooled to 12°c (53°F) to allow cold settling. The must is then fermented in foudres (oak casks), racked and stabilized. The wine is aged for a minimum of 18 months before release.
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Cremant d'Alsace Brut
A blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois. The grapes are fermented, blended and then placed in bottle for a secondary fermentation. Disgorged following a period of aging in the cellar. A traditional method sparkling wine perfect for any occasion.
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Cremant d'Alsace Brut Rose
100% Pinot Noir. The wine is subject to a light maceration, fermented and then placed in bottle for a secondary fermentation. Disgorged following a period of aging in the Zeyssolff cellars. A traditional method sparkling rose perfect for any occasion.
Winery details
- Appellation
- Alsace
- Founded
- 1778
- Area under vine
- 10 hectares of estate vineyards
- Winemaker
- Yvan Zeyssolff
- Owner
- Zeyssolff Family
- Production
- 100,000 bottles per annum
- Grape varietals
- Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Gewürztraminer, Muscat, Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois, Klevener de Heiligenstein and Sylvaner
