Domaine Cattin – Voegtlinshoffen, France

After a bit of research on the quaint medieval style of Alsace, and perhaps even a few visits to charming, intimate wineries around the region, you will rightfully be shocked when you approach the stately and modern facility that is Domaine Cattin. Clean lines, hard angles, construction of stone and glass, the public facing premises showcases a proud winery of grand scale, and sophisticated taste.

Your curiosity will be well rewarded at Domaine Cattin, as their lineup of wines features no less than forty six separate bottlings, including every possible combination of Alsatian wine output ranging from off-dry Cremant d’Alsace Rosé to all the regional varietals of the general Alsace appellation, to a prestige lineup centered around Grand Cru Hatschbourg, and finally the Grand Vins d’Exception, Vendange Tardives and Selection de Grain Nobles. All of which you are free to taste at your leisure. After paying $25 for a few sips in Napa Valley, you may be rubbing your eyes in confusion. But this is Alsace – welcoming and completely unpretentious. And there is no catch – your wine tourism experience is warmly nurtured at Domaine Cattin.

Cattin focuses on a single Grand Cru parcel, Hatschbourg. This is a venerable plot that goes back into the middle ages of Alsatian history. The terroir boasts 47ha of southeast facing slopes, composed of marl-limestone with scree deposits and loess silt – a heavy, well drained soil composition. The four noble varieties of Alsace are planted here (Riesling, Pinot Gris, Muscat, Gewurtztraminer).

The Grand Cru wines are supreme examples of finesse and elegance, with delicate but confident aromas, freshness, balance and structure. Overall, the wines of Cattin including those of the general Alsace appellation are excellent expressions of the regional pride of the finest order.

Domaine Cattin also has an extremely spacious rooftop restaurant and wine bar that boasts excellent views of the plains facing east and into Germany. You can round out your visit in style on the enormous open balcony, have a cheese plate, and a glass of any of their offerings. In addition, Cattin offers cellar tours, an event space, and even Segway tours in vineyard parcels.

The expansive and grand tasting room at Domaine Cattin is open to the public and no appointments are necessary (appointments will be necessary for cellar tours or other specialized activities.) Prices are more than reasonable should you decide to take a few bottles home. Definitely worth a visit!