Riquewihr, Alsace
Riquewihr is another beautiful Alsatian village along the Route des Vins, with the peaks of the Vosges mountains in the background.
For centuries this magnificent town has managed to combine the quality of its architecture with the quality of its world-famous wines, from which it gets its nickname «The Gem of the Alsace Vineyards». Not surprisingly, it is classified among the «Most Beautiful Villages in France».
Riquewihr was first mentioned in 1094. The village was then a property of the Counts of Horbourg who built the first fortified enclosure in 1291. Riquewihr obtained town status in 1320. Its golden age dates back to the 16th century, during which it grew very rich thanks to the vineyard.
Riquewihr wine is famous since the Middle Ages. All the famous Alsatian grape varieties – Riesling, Pinot Gris (called Tokay in the past), Muscat, Gewurztraminer – are grown in Riquewihr. There are also some other, usually cheaper, varieties like Sylvaner, Auxerrois and Pinot Blanc (all white wines). Edelzwicker is not a grape variety but a blend of several noble varieties like Riesling, Pinot Gris, Muscat or Gewurztraminer.
I walked up into the vineyards behind Riquewihr. But they are not as easily accessible as in Kaysersberg. So I took the tip of my driver to walk up to Ribeauville, the next village. Before heading off I had a Tarte flambée (Flammekueche) for lunch. Tarte flambée is a sort of Alsatian pizza, and very delicious (see photo).
Now Ribeauville may not be as beautiful as Riquewihr, but the trail between the two towns is stunningly beautiful, with the Vosges mountains in the distance, and vineyards climbing up the hills. This section of the Vosgues is notable thanks to a few ancient chateaux forts (fortresses) dotting the peaks — Château du Hohlandsbourg, Château Saint-Ulrich, Château de Girsberg, and Château du Haut Ribeaupierre.
I won’t be done with Alsace for a long time. My driver recommends Bergheim for my next walk. And there are plenty of other beautiful villages to follow.