CH’NG Poh Tiong
Maison Gustave Lorentz Vielles Vignes Riesling Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergheim 2019 has scooped a coveted Best in Show top prize in Decanter World Wine Awards 2023.
The win is more special for the fact the Alsace producer is located at 91 Rue des Vignerons in Bergheim itself.
The story book fortified village is famed for its colourful houses and its wines, particularly Riesling.
A household name in Bergheim, Maison Gustave Lorentz was founded in 1836.
The esteemed producer and winegrower owns 33 hectares on the hillsides of Berghem.
Of the estate, 12.8 hectares are Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergheim and 1.75 hectares Grand Cru Kanzlerberg. Both were classified as Grand Crus in 1983.
Altenberg de Bergheim, in full summer splendour, was classified Grand Cru in 1983
The village of Bergheim is home to Grand Crus Altenberg de Berheim and Kanzlerberg
In 1748 – 275 years ago – winegrower and blacksmith Jean-Georges Lorentz became the first of his family to settle in Bergheim from Ribeauville. His son, Pierre Lorentz, married the youngest daughter of the mayor of the time.
In 1995, his seventh-generation descendant Georges Lorentz assumed management of the estate and the house.
The Lorentz Family. From left, Ingrid; youngest daughter Clara (who will be the next winemaker); eldest daughter Camille; Georges; and, middle daughter Olivia
Apart from its own 33-hectare domaine, Maison Gustave Lorentz also buys grapes from 120 hectares grown exclusively in Bergheim. In a sense, Gustave Lorentz wines are single regional.
Fully conscious of his responsibility to the environment, in 2009, Georges Lorentz converted the family’s vineyards to organic farming, earning official certification from the 2012 vintage.
Georges & Ingrid Lorentz are the proud parents of three daughters who will carry the traditions and innovations of the Lorentz Family into the eighth generation.
The story book fortified village of Bergheim is famous for its wines and colourful houses
