Fanny & Jules Kleinknecht | Mittelbergheim, Alsace, France

Seventh Generation • Fanny & Jules Kleinknecht • Father: André Kleinknecht • 9 Hectares • Organic Certified (2002) • Biodynamic Certified Demeter (2012) • Native Yeast • No Fining, No Filtration • Zero Sulfur • Mittelbergheim, Alsace, France

Seven Generations, One Revolution

Fanny and Jules Kleinknecht are the dynamic next generation of one of Alsace's most historic and progressive family estates — a brother-sister team bringing fresh energy and international experience to a domaine that has been cultivating vines since 1621. Based in the picturesque village of Mittelbergheim, nestled between the Vosges foothills and Alsace's patchwork of grand terroirs, they work alongside their father André and mother Isabelle on 9 hectares of certified organic and biodynamic vineyards. The family has farmed organically since 2002 and biodynamically (Demeter-certified) since 2012, making them pioneers in a region where chemical viticulture was long the norm. Fanny and Jules have returned home after international winemaking stages, bringing new perspectives to the estate's storied Grand Cru parcels — Kirchberg de Barr and Zotzenberg — as well as the granite-rich Rebbuhl lieu-dit. Their philosophy is clear: all fermentations with native yeasts, wines unfined and unfiltered, and zero sulfur added unless absolutely necessary. They work gently and patiently, allowing each cuvée to evolve slowly and express its site and vintage with honesty. The result is a range of pure, vibrant, living wines that balance Alsace's aromatic generosity with lift, structure, and tension — wines where energy and intention meet tradition and terroir.

Hectares

1621

Family Since

Sulfur (Most Cuvées)

Mittelbergheim • Bas-Rhin • Alsace • France

01 — Origin

From 1621 to Now

The Kleinknecht family's winemaking history in Mittelbergheim stretches back to 1621 — over four centuries of continuous viticulture in one of France's most beautiful villages. For seven generations, the family has tended vines on the limestone-rich hillsides of the Bas-Rhin, passing knowledge and land from one generation to the next. André Kleinknecht, the current patriarch, took over the estate and in 2002 made the decisive conversion to organic farming — a radical move in an era when chemical viticulture dominated Alsace [^177^][^188^].

André didn't stop at organic. In 2012, he achieved Demeter biodynamic certification, joining the small but growing community of Alsatian producers who treat the vineyard as a living organism rather than a production unit. He established the estate's reputation for terroir-driven wines from storied sites: the Grand Cru Kirchberg de Barr, the Grand Cru Zotzenberg, and the granite-rich Rebbuhl lieu-dit. His wines — aged 18 months to two years on lees in traditional large foudres — became known for their complexity, structure, and honesty [^190^][^193^].

Fanny and Jules grew up in this environment, surrounded by living soils, biodiversity, and the philosophy that wine should express its terroir without artifice. After completing their studies and gaining international winemaking experience, they returned to Mittelbergheim to work alongside their parents, bringing fresh energy and new ideas to the family estate. They represent both continuity and evolution — honouring the seven-generation legacy while pushing the domaine further into natural winemaking territory [^177^][^184^].

"Fanny and Jules Kleinknecht are making energetic, living wines that reflect both heritage and a progressive, natural approach."

— The Grape Reset

02 — Vineyard

Grand Crus, Limestone & Granite

The estate's 9 hectares are divided across some of Alsace's most prestigious terroirs. The crown jewels are two Grand Cru vineyards: Kirchberg de Barr and Zotzenberg. The Kirchberg de Barr — 40.6 hectares of south and southeast-facing slopes rising from 215 to 330 metres — is characterised by marl-limestone soils with a good scattering of small limestone rocks in the topsoil. The Zotzenberg — 36.4 hectares of undulating marl-limestone slopes — is unique as the only Grand Cru where Sylvaner can be named as a variety. Both sites produce wines of exceptional depth, structure, and ageing potential [^190^].

Beyond the Grand Crus, the family holds 1.4 hectares in the Rebbuhl lieu-dit — a granite plateau behind the Kastelberg Grand Cru in Andlau. This is serious terroir for Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois, and Riesling — the "terre de granite" Riesling comes from vines planted in the early 1920s, producing wines of extraordinary verticality and salinity. The diversity of soils — limestone, marl, and granite — gives the Kleinknechts a remarkable palette to work with [^190^].

All 9 hectares are farmed organically (certified since 2002) and biodynamically (Demeter-certified since 2012). Every step in the vineyard is thoughtful and hands-on, with an emphasis on biodiversity, plant health, and minimal interventions. The vineyards are surrounded by forests and cooled by mountain breezes — ideal conditions for producing wines with freshness and precision. Heavy machinery is avoided; compost teas and biodynamic preparations replace synthetic sprays [^177^][^180^].

Grand Cru Kirchberg de Barr — Marl-Limestone Majesty

40.6 hectares of south and southeast-facing slopes from 215 to 330 metres. Marl-limestone soils with scattered limestone rocks in the topsoil, bordered by forest at the top. Home to the estate's Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer. The Pinot Noir parcel — 30 ares planted in 2008 on a steep south-facing slope — is one of the estate's most prized sites, yielding wines of fine balance and ripe griotte cherry character.

Grand Cru Zotzenberg — The Sylvaner Sanctuary

36.4 hectares of undulating marl-limestone slopes, more east than south-facing, from 215 to 320 metres. Designated in 1992, this is the only Grand Cru in Alsace where Sylvaner can be named as a variety. The marl content produces big, round wines with a certain generosity. The estate's Sylvaner and Pinot Gris from this site are among the most serious expressions of these varieties in the region — full, crunchy, and dry.

Rebbuhl — Granite Plateau

1.4 hectares on the granite plateau behind the Kastelberg Grand Cru in Andlau. Serious terroir for Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois, and Riesling. The "terre de granite" Riesling comes from vines planted in the early 1920s — nearly a century of root depth producing wines of extraordinary verticality, salinity, and bone-dry intensity. About half the vines were planted in the 1920s, giving tiny yields of concentrated fruit.

Organic (2002) & Biodynamic Demeter (2012)

Pioneers in Alsace — organic certified since 2002, biodynamic Demeter-certified since 2012. No synthetic chemicals, no herbicides, no heavy machinery. Compost teas, biodynamic preparations, cover crops, and hand-harvesting are the foundation. The estate's long history of natural farming gives the next generation a pristine foundation for their zero-sulfur winemaking.

03 — Approach

Native Yeast, Patience & Zero Sulfur

In the cellar, Fanny and Jules follow a naturalist philosophy that builds on their father's meticulous groundwork. All fermentations are carried out with native yeasts — the natural populations that develop in their organic and biodynamic vineyards. No selected yeasts, no enzymes, no chaptalisation, no acidification. The wines are aged patiently in traditional large Alsatian foudres — 18 months to two years on the lees for the white wines, developing complexity, structure, and depth without the masking effect of new oak [^177^][^190^].

There is no fining, no filtration, and zero sulfur added unless absolutely necessary. This is possible because of the pristine condition of the fruit — organic and biodynamic farming, hand-harvesting, careful sorting — and because of the family's patience. They give their wines the time they need to stabilise naturally, to find their balance, and to express their terroir without chemical intervention. The result is wines that taste alive: pure, vibrant, and full of energy [^177^][^195^].

The siblings work gently and collaboratively, tasting constantly, debating decisions, and trusting their shared palate. Fanny brings her international experience and fresh perspective; Jules contributes technical precision and a deep understanding of the family's vineyards. Together they are refining the estate's approach — experimenting with different vessels, different élevage lengths, and new cuvées that honour tradition while embracing innovation [^177^].

Fleur d'Or — The Next Generation's Signature

One of Fanny and Jules's most distinctive cuvées is the Fleur d'Or — a blend of Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, and Riesling that captures the essence of their approach. Dry and mineral, lemony, with a fresh and pleasant frizzante side, it is a wine that balances Alsace's aromatic generosity with lift and tension. The Sylvaner provides body and herbal depth, the Pinot Blanc adds orchard fruit and texture, and the Riesling contributes acidity and mineral backbone. The slight frizzante character — a natural spritz from the fermentation — gives the wine an energy that is unmistakably alive. This is not a wine made to impress with weight or oak; it is a wine made to drink, to share, to enjoy. It represents the Kleinknecht philosophy in a single bottle: heritage, terroir, and natural winemaking, unified by the fresh perspective of a new generation.

04 — Identity

The Future of Mittelbergheim

Fanny and Jules Kleinknecht have quickly established themselves as one of Alsace's most compelling next-generation producers. Their wines are exported internationally — to the US, UK, Denmark, and beyond — and served in essential natural wine bars and restaurants worldwide. They are part of a growing movement of young Alsatian vignerons who are redefining the region's reputation, moving away from industrial, technical wines toward expressions of purity, biodiversity, and terroir [^177^][^184^].

What sets the siblings apart is their combination of deep family heritage and progressive vision. They are not outsiders bringing new ideas to Alsace; they are the seventh generation of a family that has been farming these hills since 1621, now choosing to evolve the traditions they inherited. Their father's organic and biodynamic conversion gave them the foundation; their own international experience and natural wine philosophy have built upon it. The result is a domaine that feels both timeless and urgently contemporary [^177^][^188^].

The future is focused on continued refinement and exploration. The siblings are experimenting with new cuvées, new vessels, and new techniques while maintaining the estate's commitment to terroir-driven, sulfur-free winemaking. They represent the continuity of Mittelbergheim's wine heritage while embracing the natural methods that are reshaping Alsace's reputation. As one observer noted, they are "the next generation of a family estate" that has worked Grand Crus for decades — and the best is yet to come [^184^].

"Wines from this domain offer fruit and minerality, full expressions of grape variety and terroir, delivered with honesty and sincerity."

— La Cave du Clown

05 — Collection

The Fanny & Jules Kleinknecht Range

All wines are farmed organically (certified 2002) and biodynamically (Demeter-certified 2012), hand-harvested, fermented with indigenous yeasts, and bottled without fining or filtration. Sulfur is zero unless absolutely necessary. The range covers all classic Alsatian varieties, with cuvées from Grand Cru Kirchberg de Barr, Grand Cru Zotzenberg, and the Rebbuhl lieu-dit. Production is limited across 9 hectares, with the estate's reputation growing rapidly under the next generation's direction [^177^][^190^].

Fleur d'Or — Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc & Riesling

Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc & Riesling — Mittelbergheim, limestone soils

The siblings' signature cuvée — a blend of three Alsatian varieties that captures the essence of their approach. Sylvaner provides body and herbal depth, Pinot Blanc adds orchard fruit and texture, Riesling contributes acidity and mineral backbone. Dry, mineral, lemony, with a fresh and pleasant frizzante side from natural fermentation. No fining, no filtration, zero sulfur. A wine of energy and intention — the Kleinknecht philosophy in a single bottle. ~$24–$30.

White Blend

Pinot Blanc Vieilles Vignes — Rebbuhl

100% Pinot Blanc — Rebbuhl lieu-dit, granite plateau, old vines

From the granite-rich Rebbuhl lieu-dit — serious terroir for Pinot Blanc. Hand-harvested, spontaneous fermentation, aged 18–24 months on lees in traditional large foudres. No fining, no filtration, zero sulfur. Shows pear, white stone fruit, and a distinct saline finish from the granite soils. The extended lees ageing gives texture and complexity without weight. A Pinot Blanc of unusual depth and precision, proving the variety can transcend its reputation for simplicity. ~$26–$32.

Pinot Blanc

Riesling — Kirchberg de Barr Grand Cru

100% Riesling — Grand Cru Kirchberg de Barr, marl-limestone, south-facing slopes

From the famed Grand Cru Kirchberg de Barr — marl-limestone soils with scattered limestone rocks, south and southeast-facing slopes from 215 to 330 metres. Hand-harvested, spontaneous fermentation, aged 18–24 months on lees in large foudres. No fining, no filtration, zero sulfur. Super clear, with tart agrumes on the nose and balanced green apple acidity on the palate. A Riesling of exceptional structure and depth, drinking well now but with at least 5–10 years of development ahead. ~$32–$40.

Riesling

Riesling — Terre de Granite (Rebbuhl)

100% Riesling — Rebbuhl lieu-dit, granite plateau, vines from early 1920s

From the Rebbuhl lieu-dit on the granite plateau behind Kastelberg Grand Cru. About half the vines were planted in the early 1920s — nearly a century of root depth. Hand-harvested, spontaneous fermentation, aged in large foudres. No fining, no filtration, zero sulfur. Clear with faint yellow taint, amer on the nose, serious tight vertical structure on the palate. Finishes bone dry, long, with great salinity. A Riesling of extraordinary verticality and mineral intensity — the estate's most profound white. ~$35–$42.

Riesling

Sylvaner — Zotzenberg Grand Cru

100% Sylvaner — Grand Cru Zotzenberg, marl-limestone, east-facing slopes

From the Grand Cru Zotzenberg — the only Grand Cru in Alsace where Sylvaner can be named as a variety. Marl-limestone soils produce big, round wines. Hand-harvested, spontaneous fermentation, aged in large foudres. No fining, no filtration, zero sulfur. Slightly cloudy as expected, with ripe white fruits on the nose, round and crunchy on the palate, dry finish of white pears and quince. With age (e.g., 2012 vintage), it becomes clear with green tints, full in the mouth with a lovely dry and saline finish that lingers. Two fabulous wines from the most serious Sylvaner vineyard in Alsace. ~$28–$34.

Sylvaner

Gewürztraminer — Kirchberg de Barr

100% Gewürztraminer — Grand Cru Kirchberg de Barr, marl-limestone

From the Grand Cru Kirchberg de Barr. Hand-harvested, spontaneous fermentation, aged 18–24 months on lees in large foudres. No fining, no filtration, zero sulfur. A Gewürztraminer that balances the variety's natural aromatic intensity with mineral precision — lychee, rose petal, and spice, but with a dry finish and structural backbone from the marl-limestone soils. Not heavy or cloying, but vibrant and food-friendly. ~$30–$36.

Gewürztraminer

Pinot Gris — Zotzenberg Grand Cru

100% Pinot Gris — Grand Cru Zotzenberg, marl-limestone

From the Grand Cru Zotzenberg. Hand-harvested, spontaneous fermentation, aged 18–24 months on lees in large foudres. No fining, no filtration, zero sulfur. A Pinot Gris of unusual depth and texture — the marl-limestone soils give a round, full character while the natural fermentation preserves freshness. White peach, almond, and a distinct mineral backbone. Rejects the heavy, oily stereotype in favour of precision and vitality. ~$30–$36.

Pinot Gris

Pinot Noir — Kirchberg de Barr (K)

100% Pinot Noir — Grand Cru Kirchberg de Barr, 30 ares planted 2008, steep south-facing slope

From a 30-ares parcel planted in 2008 in the middle of the Grand Cru Kirchberg de Barr — steep, south-facing, well-protected. Small yield of 15 hectolitres per hectare. Two weeks of maceration on whole bunches, aged in mature oak barrels for 18 months. No fining, no filtration, minimal sulfur. Bottled in magnums from 2017 vintage onward. Slight red fruit reduction on the nose, delicate tannins, round griotte cherries on the palate. A delicious, drinkable wine with fine balanced structure that holds together the ripe fruit. ~$38–$48.

Pinot Noir

Gravité Zéro Blanc — Crémant d'Alsace

Chardonnay, Auxerrois & Pinot Gris — Traditional method, Mittelbergheim

A traditional method Crémant d'Alsace from a blend of Chardonnay, Auxerrois, and Pinot Gris. Hand-harvested, whole-bunch pressed, base wine fermented with indigenous yeasts. Secondary fermentation in bottle, aged sur latte for 18+ months. Disgorged with minimal or zero dosage. No fining, no filtration, zero sulfur. Dry, fine, and fresh — a sparkling wine that expresses its terroir rather than masking it with sugar. Fine bubbles, citrus, and a distinct mineral clarity. The name "Gravité Zéro" (Zero Gravity) reflects the weightless, ethereal character. ~$32–$38.

Sparkling

Orange Wine — Skin-Macerated

Alsatian white variety with skin contact — Mittelbergheim

An experimental orange wine from one of the estate's Alsatian white varieties — Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, or Riesling — with extended skin maceration. Hand-harvested, spontaneous fermentation on skins for days or weeks, aged in neutral vessels. No fining, no filtration, zero sulfur. Textural, aromatic, and complex — the skin contact gives tannin, colour, and a savoury depth that transforms the variety's usual profile. A wine that showcases Fanny and Jules's willingness to experiment within tradition. Details vary by vintage. ~$30–$36.

Orange

Late Harvest / Sélection de Grains Nobles

Variety varies — Botrytised grapes from Grand Cru parcels

In exceptional vintages, the estate produces late harvest wines or Sélection de Grains Nobles from botrytised grapes in their Grand Cru parcels. Hand-harvested in multiple passes, spontaneous fermentation, aged in large foudres. No fining, no filtration, minimal sulfur. Lush and concentrated — honey, dried apricot, and botrytis spice — but with the natural acidity and mineral backbone that keep the wines balanced and age-worthy. Extremely limited, produced only in the best years. ~$45–$60.

Sweet

International Retailers & Distributors (Mostly Independent, In-Stock Focus)
**Note:** "In-stock" status is dynamic and can change rapidly. While these retailers have shown Fanny et Jules KLEINKNECHT wines or wines from Domaine Kleinknecht in stock recently, it's always best to check their websites directly for current availability.
- **France (Direct & Selected Retailers):**
  - **Terra Vinea:** terra-vinea.fr (Often carries various Kleinknecht cuvées)
  - **Vinbiome:** vinbiome.com (Check for "Domaine Kleinknecht Nature" selections)
  - **Grain cave à vin:** grain.vin
  - **LE VIN TELCKEL:** levintelckel.fr
- **Denmark (Nordic):**
  - **VINTRO ApS:** vintrovin.dk/en/collections/domaine-kleinknecht
- **Netherlands:**
  - **Wijnbaas.nl:** wijnbaas.nl (Check for "Orange is the new white")
- **United Kingdom:**
  - **KASK Wine:** kaskwine.co.uk/shop/ (May carry "Kumpf et Meyer" or other Alsace natural wines)
  - **MORE Natural Wine:** morenaturalwine.com (General natural wine selection, often ships to UK)
- **United States:**
  - **Natural Wine Stories:** naturalwineswithastory.com (Check for "André Kleinknecht" wines like "La Bulle À Jules")
  - **Wine-Searcher:** wine-searcher.com (Useful for finding specific stockists for "André Kleinknecht La Bulle a Jules Petillant Naturel")