Dopff au Moulin | Alsace
The Dopff family have been winegrowers since 1574 and still manage the 70 hectare estate near the charming medieval Alsatian town of Riquewihr. The vineyards are more than 300 metres above sea level, nestled in the foothills of the lower Vosges mountain range. As a family of pioneers, they were responsible for the use of the stemmed wine bottles, which today distinguish Alsace wines from other regions. In 1900, tenth generation Julien Dopff was so impressed by the Champagne tastings held in Paris' World Exhibition, he learnt the art of winemaking in Champagne for two years before returning to Alsace. After WW II Julien Dopff strongly believed that a Crémant made from local grape varieties and reflecting the terroir of Alsace should be produced and protected. In 1976, together with five other producers, he finally obtained official recognition for Crémant d'Alsace as an AOC.
