Domaine Ernest Burn

Domaine Ernest Burn, a great Alsatian terroir steeped in history

South of Colmar, in the wine-growing village of Gueberschwihr, Domaine Ernest Burn watches over one of the most emblematic terroirs of Alsace. This 10-hectare family vineyard extends mainly over the Goldert Grand Cru, whose historic heart is the Clos Saint-Imer, a rare single block of 5 hectares.

This exceptional site is deeply linked to Alsatian wine history. Dominated by the famous Romanesque bell tower of Gueberschwihr, listed as a historical monument, the vineyard lies within one of the oldest winegrowing villages in the region. Here, vines have shaped the landscape since the Middle Ages.

Clos Saint-Imer, the jewel of the Goldert Grand Cru

Clos Saint-Imer sits on a spectacular hillside between 270 and 350 meters above sea level, with steep slopes facing south-east. These sharp gradients, reaching 40 to 50%, require demanding manual work, but in return provide an ideal environment for the vine.

The Jurassic oolitic limestone soils, combined with natural scree, store heat and protect the vines from the wind. This unique microclimate encourages slow, even ripening of the grapes, producing wines of great depth, renowned for their outstanding aging potential and remarkable balance.

The revival of a historic vineyard

After the devastation caused by phylloxera, successive wars, and the difficulty of working these extreme slopes, the vineyard had been abandoned.

In 1934, Ernest Burn set out to revive this forgotten terroir with patience and determination.

This revival marked the beginning of the estate’s modern history. Thanks to rigorous work and an intimate understanding of the terroir, the Burn family restored the soul of this hillside, now recognized as one of Alsace’s great terroirs and often cited for offering one of the region’s best value-for-money wine experiences.

Noble grape varieties for long-aging wines

Domaine Ernest Burn is particularly distinguished by its great cuvées from the Goldert Grand Cru, notably:

• Gewurztraminer,
• Muscat,
• Riesling,
• Pinot Gris,
• Pinot Noir.

These grape varieties find a unique expression here, combining aromatic intensity, finesse, and depth. The wines are crafted with respect for the vintage and the grape variety, without seeking to standardize style: each cuvée tells the story of a year, a climate, and a specific plot.

Wines that tell the story of their terroir

At Domaine Ernest Burn, wine is above all a liquid memory of place.

Aging in traditional oak casks supports the wine without ever masking its identity. The Clos Saint-Imer cuvées offer refined, precise, and elegant wines, capable of aging gracefully over time.

Each bottle reflects the subtle balance between history, terroir, and family expertise.

A domain to discover in the heart of Gueberschwihr

If you pass through Gueberschwihr, the estate welcomes you at 8 rue Basse.

The oriel window, the historic “Au Dauphin” sign, and the spiral staircase of the yellow sandstone tower dating back to 1623 will naturally guide you to the cellar, where the large oak vats rest and each wine continues its journey.

Why are Domaine Ernest Burn wines from the Clos Saint-Imer in the Goldert Grand Cru recognized for their aging potential and their unique expression of the Alsatian terroir ?