Kuentz-Bas Pinot Blanc 2023

Domaine Kuentz-Bas represents over two centuries of Alsatian winemaking tradition, established through both family dedication and strategic evolution. Located in the picturesque village of Husseren-les-Châteaux at one of the highest elevations on the Alsace Wine Route, this historic estate embodies the region's commitment to terroir-driven wines.

The winemaking activity of the Kuentz family has been documented in Husseren-les-Châteaux archives since 1795, when Joseph Kuentz founded the estate. The domaine as it exists today was forged through a marriage that joined the Kuentz and Bas families in 1895, creating a union that would strengthen both the estate's resources and winemaking expertise. During its early development, the estate focused sales efforts primarily on French restaurants, initially in Alsace and the Vosges region, before expanding to Paris and international markets. The current cellar, still in use today, was constructed in 1894, and by 1954 the estate owned 12 hectares of vines exclusively planted on steep hillsides.

The estate experienced significant transformation in 2004 when the family sold the property to renowned vigneron Jean-Baptiste Adam, representing the fourteenth generation of his family's winemaking tradition dating back to 1614. This transition marked a new chapter focused on biodynamic viticulture methods, with Adam converting the vineyards to organic and biodynamic farming to better express terroir identity and achieve higher quality. The agreement between Domaine Jean-Baptiste Adam and Kuentz-Bas combined resources and expertise from both estates, sharing a rich heritage as "Gastronomic Winemakers."

Today, the estate encompasses 30 hectares of vineyards, including 10 hectares of biodynamically certified and 6 hectares of organically certified vineyards. The portfolio includes prestigious Grand Cru sites Eichberg and Pfersigberg, which now represent up to 30% of production. Winemaker Olivier Raffin, who managed the estate from 2017 to 2023, maintained the philosophy of minimal intervention, allowing wines to mature naturally with extended lees aging and reduced sulfur use. The wines are vinified either in century-old oak foudres for perfect micro-oxygenation or in stainless steel tanks to preserve fruit aromatics, depending on the selection and desired style.

Domaine Kuentz-Bas continues to serve as an ambassador of Alsatian winemaking excellence, producing wines that faithfully express both grape variety character and terroir through simple, natural methods refined over more than two centuries of dedication to the craft.

The Alsace wine region, located in northeastern France along the Rhine River, is renowned for its exceptional wines. This region stretches from Marlenheim in the north to Thann in the south, encompassing a diverse landscape influenced by French and German cultures. The Vosges Mountains to the west create a rain shadow effect, making Alsace one of the driest wine regions in France. It also has a unique microclimate that is ideal for viticulture.

Alsace's vineyards cover approximately 15,500 hectares and produce wines under three main appellations: Alsace AOC, Alsace Grand Cru AOC, and Crémant d'Alsace AOC. The Alsace AOC includes a variety of white, rosé, and red wines. At the same time, Alsace Grand Cru AOC designates the region's top-quality vineyard sites, focusing primarily on four noble grape varieties: Riesling, Pinot Gris, Muscat, and Gewurztraminer. Crémant d'Alsace, the region's sparkling wine, follows traditional Champagne methods and primarily uses Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Riesling grapes.

Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat are the cornerstone grapes of Alsace, known for producing aromatic and expressive wines. The region also produces notable Pinot Noir wines, typically lighter in style than those from Burgundy. However, warmer summers are leading to more robust expressions of this grape.

The Alsace Wine Route, established in 1953, spans 170 kilometers and offers a picturesque journey through charming villages, medieval towns, and stunning vineyards. Key stops along the route include Strasbourg, Ribeauville, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, and Colmar, each offering unique cultural and historical experiences and opportunities to taste and explore the region's diverse wines.