Ostertag - Gewurztraminer Fronholz Orient d'Eden
Since taking over the family farm in 1980, André Ostertag has brought this small property in the village of Epfig to the summits of Alsatian wine, becoming an icon in the world of biodynamic farming and a valiant ambassador of terroir-driven natural wines in the process. Now officially retired, André has passed this legendery estate to his son, Arthur.
The estate is spread over 15 hectares. In an act of rejection against the official classifications dictated by the A.O.C., Ostertag made up their own categories:
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- 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;
- Vins de Temps that rely on time and weather to encourage the development of botrytis.
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Fronholz refers to the compulsory wood harvest duty (‘bois de corvée’) peasants had to carry out to the benefit of the local lord in the Middle-Ages. The atypical, and rare, South West exposed vineyard benefits from a unique position as it is separated from the Vosges Mountains by a little plain: the small hill then stands on its own. In the 1980’s, the INAO turned down the Grand Cru Appellation for the site. The soils are composed of sandstone, clay and sand. It is a very crystalline terroir with some quartz pebbles.
Biodynamic. Vin de Temps. Blend of 2021 and 2022 vintages brings together the best of both worlds: on the one hand, the freshness of a late year, its fine texture, its essential tangy energy in the mouth, on the other, the suave and sappy delicacy of an early, very sunny year, with its farandole of aromas of roasted or flambéed fruits and comforting spices. RS 30g/L
Biodynamic. Exuberant and delicate nose of mirabelle jam, quince paste, roasted mango, with smoky notes of incense and flint, dried rose and nutmeg. The palate is energetic, sappy, with orange, roasted mango, yellow and green lemons, flambéed yellow peach, and rhubarb. All wrapped in a bouquet of herbs and spices (sage, dried mint, cumin, clove). RS 30g/L
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