The darling of critics and wine guide, here’s how we would describe Zusslin in three words: Alsace, biodynamic, unforgettable!
The 16 hectare estate which is based in Orschwihr, just south of Colmar, converted to biodynamic viticulture in 1997. Wines are produced from a total of 9 different grape varieties, featuring crystalline whites and structured Pinot Noirs perfect for cellaring.
A historic Alsatian estate with a long family history
Founded in 1691 by Jodocus Cisle – ancestor of the Zussli family – the Zusslin estate is located in Orschwihr, south of Colmar, on the slopes of the Bollenberg, the Clos Liebenberg and the Grand Cru Pfingstberg.
Today, Jean-Marie Zusslin’s children, Jean-Paul – in the vineyard and cellar – and Marie Zusslin – in the marketing department – are carrying on the family legacy, now in its 13th generation. They both arrived at the same time, for the 2000 vintage, and so a three-generation collaboration was established (grandparents – including Valentin Zusslin -, parents and children), lasting about 10 years.
Some Zusslin Favourites Currently on Sale:
Gewurztraminer Bollenberg Prestige
From a clay-limestone terroir with a presence of iron-rich minerals, this cuvée delivers a very fine expression of Gewurztraminer: a rich and opulent wine, balanced by a fine acidity that brings a pleasant freshness.
Pinot noir Bollenberg
A beautiful pinot noir, fruity and slightly spicy (pepper), with a fine and greedy touch. To be drunk on the freshness of the fruit.
Riesling Clos Liebenberg
A sublime Riesling, complex, with aromas of lime and gunflint, as well as a structured and very mineral mouth.
Riesling Grand Cru Pfingstberg
A beautiful, dry, intense, pure, mineral and very elegant Riesling produced by this biodynamic estate, which has won the unanimous approval of the greatest tasters.
According to French Wine Guide Bettane+Desseauve (5/5 stars)
Without doubt the most spectacular progression in all of Alsace over the last two decades. Jean-Marie Zusslin, Marie and Jean-Paul’s father, had put in place a sound basis of viticulture and cellar work. He had the intelligence to give them total freedom from very early on. Thanks to their diligent work, biodynamics has worked incredibly well here. Favouring biodiversity (planting hedges and fruit trees, installing bird boxes) in the plots around the village of Orschwihr, everything magnifies the clay-limestone (Bollenberg) and marl-sandstone (Grand Cru Pfingstberg and Clos Liebenberg, the family monopoly) terroirs. In the cellar, minimalist work and long maturation periods allow the wine to express the purity of the fruit and the salinity of the original soil. It is also worth noting that the range of wines has been simplified, with emphasis on the terroir for the crémants and pinot noirs (Neuberg or Luft) or by proposing innovative cuvées (ophrys and sunna cuvées). The estate is on a par with the greatest in France. Five Stars.
