The Cattin family arrived in Voegtlinshoffen, a small village famous for its wines since the Middle-Ages, in 1720. The tradition of father working with son has been passed down through the generations ever since. Today, the estate is run by Jacques senior and Jacques junior, who joined his father in 2007. Both continue to be closely associated in the winemaking process. With a total of 60 hectares under their control, this is one of the largest family-run estates in Alsace.
Voegtlinshoffen itself is located around five kilometres south of Colmar and as a commune has 87 hectares under vine, of which one-quarter are classified as Grand Cru Hatschbourg, which it shares with the neighbouring village of Hattstadt. Historically noted for the quality of its Muscat, the variety appears to thrive in the heavy clay soils. The reputation was somewhat consolidated in the late 20th Century, with Joseph Cattin (1882 – 1963), being known locally as the ‘King of Muscat’.
In addition to Muscat, the Cattin’s also have Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris planted, with a significant five hectares overall.
There are around 20 other growers with holdings in the Hatschbourg (with an average of one hectare apiece) although much of the production gets sold to the co-operatives or négociant houses. Between the growers there has been a twenty year agreement which prevents the spraying of herbicides and insecticides within the Grand Cru and there is a self-imposed 55hl/ha limit on the yields, which is considerably lower than that permitted in Alsace generally.
The south-east facing slopes are located at 330 metres altitude, with deep, well-drained soils that deliver powerful, concentrated wines. From the small village of Steinbach, in the southern-most part of the region, comes a single vineyard Pinot Noir, grown on iron-rich soils. Such is the quality of the fruit, the Cattin’s built a separate cellar to accommodate the grapes, along with their increasingly important sparkling wine production.
Although relatively unknown in the UK, Crémant d’Alsace is becoming an increasingly important part of Alsace’s future. At around 1.2 million bottles per year, Joseph Cattin is the largest private producer, working with over 100 family producers on long-term contracts to fulfil their growing demand.
Although not certified, the Cattin’s work organically in all of their own vineyards.
