Domaine Schmitt-Carrer - Winery

Domaine Schmitt-Carrer, Wine Production Since the 17th Century

Only a few families can trace their roots back hundreds of years with great success. Fewer still can claim to have been working the vineyards for three centuries. The Schmitts have been wine producers in the Alsace region since at least the first half of the 17th century. The current winery has been in the family since 1985 when Roger Schmitt established it with his son-in-law Roland Carrer. Today, Roland and his wife Sylvie, run the winery with their daughter, Anne-Cécile. Domaine Schmitt-Carrer is located in the village of Kientzheim in the Haut-Rhin area of Alsace in northeastern France.

Domaine Schmitt-Carrer and Their Impressive Grape Varities

The vineyards of Domaine Schmitt-Carrer cover 15 hectares and are cultivated by using organic methods. The vineyards has been fully organic since 2012. The soil is mostly clay-limestone with some marl-limestone. They grow all seven recognized varieties of Alsace grapes, which are Sylvaner, Pinot Noir, Blanc and Gris, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Muscat. Pinot Noir is the only red grape variety authorized within the Alsace appellation. Among their diverse range of wines are 3 Grand Crus—Schlossberg, Furstentum and Wineck-Schlossberg. The Grand Cru vineyards represent 21% of the Domaine Schmitt-Carrer vineyards and lend to some absolutely excellent wines.

Domaine Schmitt-Carrer and Their Winemaking Methodos

As well as classic single-variety wines, Domaine Schmitt-Carrer produces a Crémant, a rosé, and several special late harvest wines. The grapes for the late harvest wines are pressed for around 7 to 8 hours, around twice the usual time. This is to extract even more sweetness. Harvesting is manual, the grapes are carefully packed into small boxes to provide more protection.