Marc Tempé

In Zellenberg, among the sunny hills of Alsace, lies Domaine Marc Tempé, a winery that makes its connection to the land its cornerstone. At the helm is Marc, a descendant of a family of cooperative winemakers who thus grew up among the rows. In 1993 he took over his parents' vineyards and two years later renovated the winery and acquired winemaking equipment by making the first vintage.
Domaine Marc Tempé's 20 hectares of vineyards are spread over some 30 plots, included in the communes of St. Hippolyte, Hunawihr, Zellenberg, Sigolsheim and Kientzheim, each characterized by its own unique pedological and microclimatic identity. The traditional grape varieties Rhine Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Muscat, Sylvaner, Chasselas and Pinot Noir are grown on these plots. Since 1996, Marc has been following the dictates of biodynamics, working in synergy with nature and safeguarding the ecosystem for future generations. With this in mind, the use of synthetic chemicals in the vineyard is banned, replaced by copper and sulfur, while plant, animal and mineral preparations are applied to stimulate the plant's natural resistance. In addition, agronomic and oenological operations follow the lunar and planetary calendar. As for the white grapes, the centerpiece of the estate's production, these undergo soft and slow pressing after harvest, followed by static decantation of the must overnight. Fermentations are entrusted to indigenous yeasts, and for many labels the maturation phase takes place in French oak barrels on the fine lees for extended periods. No additives or oenological aids such as selected yeasts, enzymes or stabilizers are used throughout the process, except for minimal amounts of sulfur dioxide at bottling.
Marc Tempé's interpretations include prestigious Grand Crus, such as 'Furstentum,' 'Mambourg' and 'Schoenenbourg,' which although they retain their own specific identity all give rise to rich, sunny white wines endowed with a vibrant mineral chord.