The domaine
Winemakers in Bergholtz, Alsace, since 1871
The Domaine Dirler-Cadé is located in France, in Alsace, in the small village of Bergholtz (about 1000 inhabitants), 3 km North-East of the small town of Guebwiller (11500 inhabitants).
Guebwiller is the gateway to the charming Florival valley which leads to the summits of the High Vosges.
We are located exactly halfway (25 km) from the cities of Colmar and Mulhouse.
5 successive generations
Jean Dirler founded Dirler Wines by setting up as a “gourmet” in the village of Bergholtz. Jean, Georges, Georges, Jean-Pierre and today Jean are the 5 successive generations of winegrowers.
In 1998 Jean married Ludivine, daughter of Léon and Nicole Hell-Cadé, winemakers in Guebwiller.
From the 2000 vintage onwards, the estate took over the vineyards of Ludivine’s parents and the name Dirler-Cadé was adopted.
Pioneers in Alsace
The domaine Dirler, together with Dopff in Riquewihr, were pioneers in the manufacture of sparkling wine in the 19th century.
After having stopped the production of sparkling wines for nearly 60 years, we have returned to the tradition by producing Crémant d’Alsace Brut from the 2005 vintage.
Today managed by Ludivine & Jean Dirler, independent winemakers
The heart of our work in Biodynamics is the use of preparations, which in the form of energetic impulses, aim to improve the quality of the soil, to promote the deep rooting of the vine and to help a harmonious development of the leaves, flowers and fruits.
To reinforce the natural defenses of the vine, we use different herbal teas and decoctions: nettle, horsetail, wicker, meadowsweet.
For some years now, nesting boxes for chickadees have been set up in the plots to allow these birds to settle and eat grape worms.
Hedges of different varieties of shrubs are planted in our plots to maintain biodiversity.
The choice of biodynamics as a matter of proof
It was during an internship with François Bouchet in 1996/1997 that Jean and his father Jean Pierre were convinced that biodynamics is the best possible way to produce true terroir wines.
After very promising trials in 1997, they started this practice on the whole estate in 1998.
The vines are ploughed in the autumn and spring and natural weeds regrow in the summer to avoid gullying due to storms and to encourage biodiversity. Some very narrow or terraced vineyards are worked with a draft horse.
Unique Terroirs: The 4 Grands Crus
Our Grands Crus come from privileged terroirs where the geology,
the climate and the exposure form an exceptional combination. The hill dominated by the Oberlinger has a great variety of terroirs, from which a great variety of wines emanate. The common characteristic of these terroirs is the eroded Buntsandstein sandstone, the presence of which in its pure state in certain plots is almost unique in the world.
We have the privilege of working with 4 Alsatian Grands Crus which express their personality in our “Elements” range:
– Saering : Water
– Kitterlé : Land
– Kessler : Fire
– Spiegel: Air
Unique lands: the "Lieux-Dits
The hill dominated by the Oberlinger has a great diversity of terroirs, from which emanates an important variety of wines.
The entirety of the estate’s plots has been managed through organic and biodynamic farming since 1998, aiming to best express the exceptional personality of these terroirs.
– Lieu-Dit : Effenberg
– Lieu-Dit: Belzbrunnen
– Lieu-Dit: Bux
– Lieu-Dit: Schimberg
– Lieu-Dit: Heisse Wanne
