In the picturesque Alsatian landscape, one of the protagonists is the Domaine Christian Binner. An ancient history rooted as far back as 1770, in Ammerschwihr, where Alsace began, the history of this Domaine began. The estate spreads over 10 hectares of vineyards, where the Binner family produces different vintages each year from a combination of different grape varieties and Alsace crus. Today, it is Christian who carefully guides the vineyards and meticulously supervises the cellar, following the principles of biodynamics. Binner says that being a 21st century farmer requires great rigour and extensive knowledge, to give all the necessary attention to the full development of the vine and the well-being of the yeasts in the cellar, for the more complex constitution of the grape juice. It takes more attention, care and dedication to obtain a product that nourishes the mind and body, that arouses emotions and remains digestible, and the Alsatian soil is still a land of choice for natural wines. Between the rows of vines, yields are kept to a minimum and the vines know neither herbicides nor chemical fertilisers. Harvesting, exclusively by hand, only takes place when the grapes are fully ripe. Grape varieties such as Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Muscat and Gewürztraminer are processed, always respecting nature's work to the utmost. The transformation of grape juice into wine takes place 'naturally', slow pressing, fermentation with indigenous yeasts and at low temperature, all left to age in oak barrels. Taking advantage of the surrounding biodiversity, varieties of spirits are also produced. This is how some of the most important wines of Alsace emerge in this hedonistic framework.
