Domaine Marcel Deiss – Unique Top Wines from Alsace

Domaine Marcel Deiss is a remarkable winery from Bergheim, in the heart of Alsace. The family estate spans approximately 32 hectares of vineyards and is internationally renowned for its biodynamic viticulture and the unique way different grape varieties are planted together in a single vineyard.

Marcel Deiss calls this traditional method 'complantation'. Instead of one grape variety per vineyard, various traditional Alsatian grape varieties are planted together, harvested simultaneously, and processed jointly. According to the estate, this method ensures that the terroir, rather than just the grape variety, primarily defines the wine's character.

Terroir Above Grape Variety

For many Alsatian wines, the grape variety is central, such as Riesling, Pinot Gris, or Gewürztraminer. Marcel Deiss consciously chooses a different approach. The estate believes that a great terroir should ultimately be expressed more strongly than the individual grape variety.

Therefore, multiple traditional grape varieties are planted together in different plots. The estate uses no fewer than 13 historical Alsatian grape varieties in complantation. The grapes are tended, harvested, and pressed together.

The result is wines in which soil, aspect, climate, and grape varieties converge. This can make Marcel Deiss wines taste quite different from a classic Alsatian wine made entirely from a single grape variety.

Biodynamic Viticulture

Sustainability and respect for nature play an important role at Marcel Deiss. The entire 32-hectare vineyard area is cultivated biodynamically. This involves working without synthetic agents and focusing on promoting a healthy ecosystem.

The estate also holds certifications for organic and biodynamic farming. The focus is not only on the grapes but primarily on the living soil and the natural balance in the vineyard.

Bergheim and Alsace

Domaine Marcel Deiss is located in Bergheim, between Ribeauvillé and Colmar. The vineyards are spread across various terroirs featuring limestone, marl, sandstone, and other geological deposits.

Precisely this great variation in soils forms the basis for the estate's different wine styles. Wines such as Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, Engelgarten, and the various Grand Crus each showcase a different aspect of the terroir.

Unique Wine Style

Marcel Deiss wines are often rich, concentrated, and mineral, yet they possess significant tension and freshness. Some wines are dry, others have a slight hint of sweetness or are distinctly richer in style.

The red wines are also special. For example, the Alsace Rouge is primarily made from Pinot Noir, supplemented with other Pinot variants. With this, Marcel Deiss demonstrates that Alsace can also produce excellent red wines.

Fun Fact

At Marcel Deiss, the grape variety is sometimes deliberately less important than the place where the grapes grow. In some vineyards, no fewer than 13 different traditional Alsatian grape varieties are interplanted. They are harvested and processed together. This is the ancient method of complantation, which Marcel Deiss has revived.

Discover the Wines of Marcel Deiss

At Vechtstreek Wijnen, you will find exceptional wines from Domaine Marcel Deiss from Alsace. Discover the distinctive wines of this unique family estate and taste for yourself how strongly the Alsatian terroir can be expressed.