Since the 19th century, the Pundel-Hoffeld family and Claude Pundel have been closely linked to wine. In Machtum, the winegrower invited us to his wine bar for cheese and wine to introduce us to his family business, the Domaine Viticole Pundel-Hoffeld.
Tell us about your career and how you became a winemaker.
Like my son Louis and my nephew Mathis, I was practically born to be a winemaker. As an eighth-generation winemaker, I am carrying on the family tradition and preserving the valuable heritage of our ancestors. I was surrounded by vineyards from an early age and learnt the art of viticulture from my parents and grandparents. This deep connection to nature and passion for viticulture have had a decisive influence on my career.
Tell us about the wine you have chosen for the Letzshop Wäin-Box.
Our wine selected for the Letzshop Wäin-Box is a true expression of our winemaking art. It is a very fruity and aromatic Gewürztraminer Gëllebour 2022. The special thing about this wine is that the flavour of the grape is perfectly reflected here. This perfection characterises our Gewürztraminer and makes it an unforgettable pleasure.
What are the special characteristics tures of your terroir and how do they influence your wines?
The vineyards in Luxembourg, particularly between Grevenmacher and Wormeldange, benefit from a unique terroir that significantly influences the quality and character of the wines.
- Moselle climate: The region lies on the Moselle, which provides a temperate microclimate. The proximity to the river has a regulating effect on temperatures, protects against extreme fluctuations and promotes a long growing season. As a result, the grapes ripen slowly and evenly, which favours the development of complex aromas.
- Slate soils: The soils in this region consist mainly of slate and limestone. The slate stores the heat from the sun during the day and releases it to the vines at night, which further supports the ripening process. The well-drained soil also promotes the depth of the vines’ roots, which enhances the minerality and structure of the wines.
- Slope: The steep slopes along the Moselle offer ideal conditions for viticulture. They provide optimal sunlight and promote drainage, which improves the health of the vines and the concentration of flavours. The south and south-east orientation maximises sun exposure.
- Diversity of grape varieties: The terroir in this region is diverse enough to produce different grape varieties. Each of these grape varieties produces unique characteristics on the different soils and microclimates, which are reflected in the diversity and depth of the wines.
To summarise, this terroir gives the wines from Grevenmacher and Wormeldange a characteristic minerality, elegance and freshness that makes them unmistakable and appreciated.
Which grape varieties do you grow and is there a particular reason for this selection?
We grow a wide range of grape varieties, including Rivaner, Elbling, Auxerrois, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Muscat Ottonel, Pinot Noir, Saint Laurent, Cabernet Blanc, Merlot and Sylvaner. This means that the majority of grape varieties authorised in Luxembourg are represented in our range. This selection enables us to offer the right wine for everyone, be it single varietal or in interesting cuvées. In addition, we are always open to planting newly authorised grape varieties in order to further diversify our range and meet the changing preferences of our customers.
Which winemaking techniques do you favour and why?
We favour the following winemaking techniques:
- Gentle pressing of the grapes: This ensures that the best flavours and quality of the grapes are preserved without releasing unwanted bitter substances.
- State-of-the-art cellar technology: By using advanced technology, we can precisely control the winemaking process and maximise the quality of our wines.
- Long fine lees ageing of young wines: This method helps to develop complex flavours and a pleasant texture by leaving the wine on the lees for longer.
- Bottling only at optimum maturity in the barrel: We only bottle our wines when they have reached the right maturity in the barrel to ensure that they develop their full potential and offer the best possible quality.
These techniques reflect our commitment to quality and craftsmanship and allow us to produce wines that perfectly bring out the characteristics of the grapes and our terroir.
Are there certain family traditions or local traditions that you cultivate in your vineyard?
Yes, there are. For example, we have always grown a lot of Gewürztraminer, as the soils between Machtum and Ahn are very suitable for this grape variety. This tradition has proven itself over generations and reflects our close connection with the region and its unique geological conditions.
Exceptional wines from the Domaine Viticole Pundel-Hoffeld just a click away on Letzshop.lu
Celebrate the art of winemaking with the Domaine Viticole Pundel-Hoffeld luxurious wines, available through Letzshop.lu. From the heart of Luxembourg’s renowned vineyards, each bottle is a celebration of the region’s climatic nuances and its winemakers’ expert craftsmanship. Ideal for special occasions or as a gift to the discerning connoisseur, our portfolio includes a diverse range of wines that embody elegance and complexity.
Order today and enjoy the comfort of delivery straight to your door, ensuring a seamless experience from vineyard to glass.
