Alsace Domaine Ostertag

 

Biodynamic since 1997, the Alsatian domaine is renowned for producing wines with concentration, depth and immense personality. 

André Ostertag owns 14.4 hectares of vineyards in over 88 separate plots, that gather 172 actual cadastral parcels, spread over the five villages of Epfig, Nothalten, Itterswiller, Ribeauvillé, and Albé. He studied in Beaune, Burgundy, where he struck up a long and lasting friendship with Dominique Lafon of Meursault before returning to Epfig.

A believer in the advantages of sharply restricted yields, his hand-picked vines produce around just 50 Hl/ha – a different league from the 120 seen in neighbouring domaines. Non interventionist vinification with no filtration and ageing in small Vosge oak barrels for Pinot Blanc-Pinot Gris-Pinot Noir and stainless steel vats for Sylvaner, Muscat and Gewurztraminer.

In an act of rejection against the official classifications dictated by the A.O.C., he made up his own categories: Vins de Fruit that express fruit character rather than that of a specific vineyard site, Vins de Pierre reflecting the terroir from which they originate, and Vins de Temps that rely on time and weather to encourage the development of botrytis.

2018 marks a new start to the estate with the takeover of Arthur, the son of André Ostertag. With a sensitivity as sharp as his father for whites, he brought his touch in 2016 to a few vintages and notably advanced the reds. 

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