Domaine Schmitt-Carrer

Domaine Schmitt-Carrer: A Legacy of Winemaking Since the 17th Century

Few families can boast a winemaking heritage that spans centuries, but the Schmitt family has been producing wine in the Alsace region since the early 17th century. The current winery, established in 1985 by Roger Schmitt and his son-in-law Roland Carrer, continues this proud tradition. Today, Roland and his wife Sylvie, along with their daughter Anne-Cécile, manage Domaine Schmitt-Carrer, located in the picturesque village of Kientzheim in the Haut-Rhin area of Alsace, northeastern France.

Impressive Grape Varieties at Domaine Schmitt-Carrer

Covering 15 hectares, the vineyards at Domaine Schmitt-Carrer are cultivated using organic methods, achieving full organic certification in 2012. The soil composition, primarily clay-limestone with some marl-limestone, supports the growth of all seven recognized Alsatian grape varieties: Sylvaner, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Muscat. Notably, Pinot Noir is the only red grape permitted in the Alsace appellation. Among their diverse offerings, the winery produces three Grand Crus—Schlossberg, Furstentum, and Wineck-Schlossberg—representing 21% of their vineyard area and contributing to exceptional wine quality.

Winemaking Techniques at Domaine Schmitt-Carrer

Domaine Schmitt-Carrer crafts a variety of wines, including classic single-variety selections, Crémant, rosé, and special late harvest wines. For the late harvest wines, grapes are pressed for 7 to 8 hours—twice the usual duration—to enhance sweetness. Manual harvesting ensures that grapes are carefully packed into small boxes, minimizing damage and preserving quality.