The Domain
The RUHLMANN family derives its passion for wine from its roots in the Alsatian wine making region, at Dambach-la-Ville.
From generation to generation since 1688, the RUHLMANN estate has grown in size and in the skills of its workforce and its reputation has increased accordingly.
In addition to a complete range of high-quality Alsatian wines, RUHLMANN has developed a creative spirit which is expressed in all aspects of the business.
Together, the family improves forgotten hillsides, explores new winemaking methods and seeks to expand into distant markets.
Christine and Jean-Victor SCHUTZ, Laurence and André RUHLMANN have succeeded in making the most of the heritage passed down to them by Jean-Charles RUHLMANN. Marthe, the mother, is proud to be able to count the business amongst the major wine houses in Alsace. What is more, with four grandchildren its continuation is ensured.
The estate has grown to around 30 hectares (75 acres) of vines, an important proportion of which are Grand Crus or geologically-rich soils (“Lieu-dit”). New markets have been developed and the reputation of RUHLMANN has broadened accordingly. This success is down to a shared passion, a desire to innovate and a great talent synergy.
Alsatian vineyards are located on the flanks of the Vosges Mountains
between altitudes from 175-420 meters (575 to 1,380 feet), benefiting from an exceptional location in the Upper Rhine Valley. The region is on a geological fault which gives rise to a complex mixture of soils derived from granite, shale, sandstone and limestone. The climate is very favorable to vine growth since the region is protected by the Vosges Moutains from humid oceanic influences, and rainfall is relatively low.
The RUHLMANN vineyards cover an area of about 30 hectares (75 acres) around Dambach-la-Ville and its four surrounding communes. They include two Grands Crus (Frankstein and Muenchberg) as well as two “Lieu-Dit” wines which are named to reflect their geological location. This geographical distribution, built up over generations, makes it possible to match different grape varieties to their most favorable terroir. The vines, some of which are ‘Vieilles Vignes’ (particularly old and established) are worked in a traditional way which brings out the finesse and character distinctive of their particular terroir.
The RUHLMANN estate has grown over time so it has been necessary to enlarge and modernize the cellar in order to maintain a family tradition which goes back more than three centuries.
Their cellar reflects the long RUHLMANN family history. Modern equipment sits alongside hundred-year-old barrels in a half-timbered family house. They carefully control every stage of production, from harvesting the grapes to labeling, not forgetting storage of wines at a constant temperature throughout the year. As a result, they ensure the optimal quality for your products.
The RUHLMANN family can trace its roots in Dambach-la-Ville, in central Alsace, back to 1688, when their ancestors, Hungarian knights settled in the region. A coat of arms dating from this time can be found at the National Library in Paris.
Jean-Charles RUHLMANN was a descendent of this line of winemakers. He and his wife, Marthe, were heads of the estate from 1950 to 1993. Their two children and their spouses now run this internationally renowned company.
source: http://www.ruhlmann-schutz.fr/
