A mountain vineyard
Le vineyards of Albé and Villé, which benefits from a controlled designation of origin, is original in many respects. First of all, it is one of the highest vineyards in Alsace, with an altitude of around 500m.
The vines are cultivated on steep schist slopes. Above all, this vineyard had almost disappeared: the area under vines had decreased from 98 hectares at the end of the 19th century to about fifteen hectares in the 1960s.
A schist terroir
The mountain vineyard is exceptional both for its geographical location, with plantings up to 500 meters in altitude, and for the geology of its soils, composed of Villé schist, and above all for the beauty of its landscapes. Made up of mica and porphyry schist, this geology has no equivalent in Alsace.
A recognized Pinot Noir
Given the altitude, the surrounding forest environment, and the resulting coolness, Pinot Noir, historically due to its early ripening, was the most widely planted grape variety. It is also found throughout the entire range of Alsatian wines.
Albé, a picturesque village
The village's winemaking tradition is reflected in its remarkable architectural heritage. Alsatian, Vosges, and winegrowers' houses stand side by side, making it the most picturesque village in the valley.
The historic heart of Albé beats at the foot of the linden tree in the village's central square. Planted in March 1795, this linden, which has changed hands five times and lived under 13 different political regimes, is a true Liberty Tree. A powerful symbol for the village!
Albé also has a mountain airfield, still in use today!
The Albé Heritage Trail It traces the agricultural and wine-growing activities of the village and explains the evolution of mountain agriculture.
It crosses vineyards and forests and also offers magnificent views of the Villé Valley, the surrounding castles, the Black Forest and even the Swiss Alps.