Jean-Baptiste Adam
Riesling Kaefferkopf Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru Alsace AOP – 2021
Region: FRANCE - ALSACE
Jean-Baptiste Adam
For more than 400 years, Jean-Baptiste Adam and his family have been grape growers and winemakers in Ammerschwihr. Throughout the centuries the Adam family has farmed vineyards, made wine, sold wine locally and sold wine in foreign lands. They survived the Thirty Years War (1618-1648), the Valois and Bourbon dynasties, the French Revolution, the Napoleonic wars, annexation by Germany and back to France, WWI, WWII, famine and disease.
Jean-Batiste V joined the winery in 1982, at the age of 21, after finishing his studies of wine, enology, and marketing. In 1996, Jean-Baptiste took over full management of the property from his father, Jean-Marie. Soon after taking charge of the company, he modernized the winery and created a processing and storage facility for the production of Crémant. In 2003, he converted the vineyards to biodynamic agriculture wholeheartedly and they are DEMETER certified since 2007. Today, he is considered a leader of biodynamic farming practices in Alsace.
Jean-Baptiste’s daughter, Laure, is the 15th generation to work in the family business. Armed with a BS in Viticulture and Enology, a Wine and Commerce license, and a master’s degree in Wine Management & Marketing, she is an integral part of all winery, viticulture and trade operations.
Jean-Baptiste Adam produces wines of elegance, balance, minerality and longevity.
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
Estate vineyards in A.O.C. Alsace Grand Cru, the Kaefferkopf was 1st to be recognized by legal delimitation in 1932, and awarded Grand Cru status in 2007. Beautifully sunny plots stretched over several sub-Vogosian hillsides.
- Altitude: 790–1,050 feet/240-320 meters
- Soil: Granite and silica with clay and limestone subsoil
- Vines Planted: Before 1965 – average age 60 years
- DEMETER certified biodynamic
Harvest Notes
- Hand harvested with strict berry selection
- Extended, gentle pneumatic pressing
- Cold settled
- Fermented using only indigenous yeast in century-old wooden barrels at 68ºF
- Aged in same barrels
Winemaker's Notes
Bright, inviting yellow. Delicate flowers and fresh citrus aromas. The palate is full of citrus flavors, followed by saline notes and a refreshing, juicy and persistent finish.
Wine Summary
100% Riesling; alcohol: 13.5%; Grand Cru Kaefferkopf Alsace vineyard across several sub-Vogosian hillsides; silica and granite with clay-limestone subsoil; vines average 60 years; hand harvested; cold settling at 50ºF overnight; gentle whole cluster pressed; vinified and aged in century-old wooden barrels at controlled 68ºF with only indigenous yeast; certified biodyamic by DEMETER.
Technical Information
- 100% Riesling
- Alcohol: 13.5%
- Total Acidity: 4.27 g/l
- Residual Sugar: 0 g/l
Reviews
95 Points
The 2021 Riesling Vieilles Vignes Kaefferkopf Grand Cru, from just two old vine parcels, one on granite and one on limestone, is still clouded by a touch of reduction. This is not in the mood to show itself today. The palate is serene, clean-cut and almost austere but elongated. The soil is beautifully present. The palate vibrates with fine purity, finesse and almost nakedness. The finish is all lemon. It is intriguing, supple, long and bright. Wait for this. (Bone-dry) 2027 – 2050
Vinous, January, 2025
92 Points
Electric acidity meets savory, salty notes in this dynamic Riesling. White raspberry and tropical fruit add intrigue, while its integration and balance elevate it to an exciting and memorable experience.
Wine Enthusiast, April, 2025
92 Points
A subtle attack with medium body, flavours of fennel and aniseed lead to a fresh, salty finish. Pair with seafood. 2023 – 2033
Decanter, June, 2023
General Info
| Country | France |
| Region | Alsace |
| Appellation(s) | AOP ALSACE – AOP CREMANT D’ALSACE- AOP ALSACE GRAND CRU -AOP VENDANDES TARDIVES- AOP SELECTION DE GRAINS NOBLES |
| Proprietors | Jean-Baptiste Adam, Laure Adam |
| Founded | 1614 |
| Winemaker | Mathilde Jaegler and Philippe Ruhlmann |
| Annual Production | 50,000 to 66,000 9L cases |
| Farming (Sustainable, organic, biodynamic) | Farmed using organic principles, DEMETER certified biodynamic since 2007. In France, certified organic by EcoCert France. |