Producer Profile
Albert Boxler
Alsace, France
Back to all producers
Domaine Albert Boxler
Alsace, France
Humble yet incredibly exciting domaine from Alsace.
The Boxler family’s legacy in Alsace’s winemaking tradition began in 1673 when they established themselves in the picturesque village of Niedermorschwihr, nestled in the rolling hills near Colmar. Initially, their viticultural pursuits were modest, focusing solely on producing wines for family consumption and local sharing. It wasn’t until 1946 that a significant shift occurred when Albert Boxler made the pioneering decision to bottle and commercialize their first vintage, marking the family’s transition from private wine growers to respected commercial vintners. Today, under the skilled leadership of Jean Boxler, representing the third generation, this esteemed family enterprise continues to flourish and evolve.
Location: Alsace, France
Total area under vine: 13.5 hectares
Average production: Around 65,000 bottles per year
Winemaking: Practicing organic
Interesting fact: The wine labels adorning Boxler bottles today remain unchanged from the original design created by Albert Boxler’s cousin in 1946, serving as a testament to their commitment to tradition and family heritage.
Albert Boxler wines
The Boxler family’s rich history traces back to their Swiss origins, culminating in their momentous relocation to Alsace in 1673. A pivotal moment came after World War II when Albert Boxler made the journey from Montana back to his ancestral home in Niedermorschwihr to oversee the 1946 harvest. His visionary decision to bottle their production and market it under the Boxler name marked a new chapter in the family’s winemaking journey, establishing their commercial presence in the wine world.
The Boxler family’s commitment to environmental stewardship is evident in their dedication to sustainable viticulture, implementing comprehensive organic methods throughout their vineyard management practices. Their 13.5-hectare estate presents unique challenges, with vineyards arranged in steep terraced slopes that demand intensive manual labor but yield exceptional results. The vineyard composition reflects a thoughtful balance of noble Alsatian varieties: 40% riesling forms the backbone, complemented by equal portions of 20% pinot gris and 20% Gewurztraminer, with the remaining planted to various traditional Alsatian varieties. Many of these vines have reached impressive maturity, with some exceeding 65 years in age. The estate’s crown jewels include 4 hectares of the prestigious Grand Cru Sommerberg and 2 hectares of the equally renowned Grand Cru Brand.
The winemaking philosophy at Boxler remains deeply rooted in tradition, with centuries-old practices still governing their approach. The vinification and maturation processes take place in traditional old foudres, housed in the historic cellar beneath the family residence, maintaining this time-honored approach until the wines are ready for bottling.
Albert Boxler Wines has cultivated an exceptional portfolio that brilliantly captures the essence of Alsace’s diverse terroir. Their range spans from crystalline whites to sophisticated reds, each wine maintaining remarkable consistency in quality while paying homage to the region’s storied winemaking heritage. Their Rieslings stand as paragons of the variety, offering pristine purity with layers of aromatic complexity and a distinctly mineral-driven palate that speaks clearly of their origin. The estate’s Pinot Noir production demonstrates remarkable finesse and complexity, showcasing the unexpected potential of Alsace’s unique climatic conditions for producing distinguished red wines, challenging traditional perceptions of this predominantly white wine region.