Domaine Kobloth
(An Online Virtual Visit)
by
Terry Sullivan
Images provided by
Domaine Kobloth
unless otherwise noted.
This article about Domaine Kobloth is based on an online interview, online data and photos supplied by the winery. We also received tasting samples. The article was written during the time of the worldwide 2020-2021 pandemic. Arnaud Kobloth, winemaker, (pictured right) responded to our questions and supplied the photos.
Summary: Visit the estate Domaine Kobloth and discover a blend of past and present as well as traditional and modern trends. Vineyards are important as well as their terroirs. Wines are terroir driven. Wine enthusiasts can taste the place.
Domaine Kobloth is a wine estate in the small village of Nothalten. Since 2002, Arnaud Kobloth has been the winemaker and grower. His wife, Sophie runs the commercial part of the business.
History
The history of Domaine Kobloth is traced back over seven decades ago when Arnaud Kobloth’s grandfather planted a few hectares of vines and made wine in his cellar. In the 1990s Arnaud’s parents added five additional hectares of grapes to the ten hectares already in production. Arnaud, the third generation, led the domaine in 2002. He immediately added a couple additional hectares of vineyards as a result of growers retiring and not having a line of succession. This practice continued over the next two decades as additional growers retired. Arnaud stated, “We are no longer looking to expand, but to optimize our parcels of land by buying better ones, such as those located in the Grand Cru area.”
Arnaud’s wine journey began at a very early age. He wrote:
“I still remember the smell of the willow branches that my grandfather used to cut in his cellar some 40 years ago to tie up the vines. It is forever engraved in my visual and olfactory memory.
I'm like Obelix; I fell into it when I was very small.
“I have always participated in the life of the domain. What could be more beautiful than to evolve in a magnificent setting and terroir?”
Obelix is a character from a French comic book series.
Vineyards
The estate is comprised of 80 plots spread over 24 hectares (59 acres) of vines. Several of the plots are within Grand Cru areas. The Alsace grapes are planted in the vineyards. White grapes include Gewürztraminer, Muscat, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Sylvaner. The only red varietal grape planted is Pinot Noir.
Arnaud explained how the vineyards benefit from the terroir.
“Alsace is located on a fault line and this is what makes its vineyards so unique. We have totally different terroirs, sometimes hundreds of meters apart. We can go from the sandstone of the Vosges in decomposition, to granite, to schist, to marl. All this in a very small area. We can then have fun associating certain terroirs and their particularities during the vinification, or vinify them individually to bring out the main characteristic of the terroir, like on our Grand Cru Muenchberg which is an ancient volcano (the base of its soil is sandstone-volcanic). One feels this strength and at the same time this finesse in the acidity of the wine, year after year.”
One of the most enjoyable times in the vineyard is the harvest. However, throughout the year Arnaud likes to walk the pathways observing the changing picture the vineyards offer.
Winemaking
Arnaud has been the winemaker at Domaine Kobloth since he came on board in 2002. Previously he studied viticulture and enology. He replaced his grandfather who cared for the cellar and his father who took care of the vineyards.
Arnaud talked about what is enjoyable about winemaking.
“I enjoy walking in the vineyards during the harvest, tasting some of the grapes delicately exposed to the sun and taking samples to see how the grapes are maturing.
“Then, when I receive the grapes, I like to taste the juice that flows out of the press, the same juice that is gradually transformed into wine by the action of indigenous yeasts. You can already imagine the potential that comes from it.”
In the future the domaine wants to make their wines known internationally. The domaine wants people to know that their vineyard terroirs, “can express their particularities and that our customers find them in our wines.” In the vineyards, the domaine is working towards converting to organic farming.
Wines
We were fortunate to receive a sample box of four Domaine Kobloth wines. This was part of the Hopwine Fair that took place in March 2021 online. Each sample was 2 cl (20 ml) enough for a tasting. (Pictured left Gewürztraminer and Pinot Noir, photo by Wine Trail Traveler).
The 2018 Gewürztraminer Vieilles Vignes, AOC Alsace had 13% alcohol and a dark yellow color with a gold hue. The wine had a floral aroma. The taste reminded me of honeysuckle, papaya and melon. There was a hint of citrus on the finish. Use the wine as an aperitif. Pair with duck, chicken or pork. This wine can also pair with fruity desserts.
The 2018 Pinot Noir, AOC Alsace was 13% alcohol and had an opaque dark ruby color. The aroma had red berry fruits and black cherries. The taste included red raspberries, black raspberries, plums and black cherries. The wine had a medium/full body with medium tannins. On the finish the fruit yielded to spices. Pair with poultry and grilled meats.
The 2019 Riesling “Le Z” Vieilles Vignes, AOC Alsace was a yellow color with a gold hue. The wine had 14% alcohol. Citrus was on the aroma. The taste was also citrusy with hints of white roses, lemons and mineral. The finish was very crisp with fruit yielding to mineral. Pair with seafood and dishes with sauerkraut.
The 2019 Pinot Gris Vieilles Vignes, AOC Alsace had 13% alcohol and a dark yellow color with gold hue. The wine had tropical fruits on the aroma. The taste was reminiscent of melon, pineapple and yellow stone fruit such as apricots. The finish was fruity. The mouthfeel was creamy. Use the wine as an aperitif or pair with white meats and game.
Wine Tourism
Visits and tastings are by appointment only. Languages for tours and tastings are in French, English and German. The domaine is currently in the process of setting up an electric bike rental business. Visitors can learn about the Alsace region and discover the terroirs and wines.
While traveling in Alsace, make an appointment to visit Domaine Kobloth and taste Alsace wines that are terroir driven.
Domaine KOBLOTH E.à.r.l.
1 rue des Mimosas
67680 Nothalten, France
Article written May 2021.
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