Domaine Josmeyer, Biodynamic Alsace Wines

Sisters Céline and Isabelle Josmeyer represent the fifth generation of this iconic Alsatian estate. It is situated in Wintzenheim, a wine-growing village near Colmar. It benefits from an exceptional microclimate and one of the lowest rainfall levels in France.

The estate is managed in a sustainable manner, with respect for nature, and holds organic and biodynamic certification. Its grape varieties are distributed as follows: 28% Riesling, 24% Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois, 21% Pinot Gris, 19% Gewurztraminer, and 10% Sylvaner, Muscat and Pinot Noir.

Organic and Biodynamic Farming at the Josmeyer Estate

In the late 1990s, in the pursuit of excellence, the Josmeyer vineyard was swiftly converted to organic and biodynamic cultivation. This alternative ‘approach’ proves to be more demanding and costly than conventional or sustainable viticulture. Yet it fosters a greater harmony between the sky, the earth, the vine and man. This close relationship between these four elements produces noble grapes. These, in turn, give rise to a dense and balanced wine with a unique character. This harmony between sky, earth, plant and man is the result of conscientious and rigorous work in the vineyard, based on four essential principles (Source: www.josmeyer.com).

Respect for the soil and manure

More than just a growing medium, a living, balanced soil is essential for plants to flourish harmoniously in tune with natural rhythms. The soils at the Josmeyer estate are therefore worked to ensure optimal air and water exchange. Every other row is left with natural grass cover to encourage greater diversity of flora and fauna. Furthermore, the presence of other plants forces the vines to send their roots deeper into the soil.

The estate produces its own biodynamic compost, which is applied in small doses in the autumn. It acts as a catalyst to encourage a rich and vibrant microbial life. Thus, in spring, the biodynamically cultivated vines can nourish themselves naturally and express their terroir. This unique salinity, which accounts for only 2 to 3% of its dry matter … (and which is completely diluted by the use of water-soluble synthetic fertilisers).

Plant material

To achieve diversity and complexity in the fruit, the Josmeyer estate plants only mass-selected vines. In other words, these are vines grown from cuttings taken from the highest-quality old vines. Planting density is at least 5,200 vines per hectare. This is the minimum required to allow the mineral complexity of a terroir to express itself fully.

Vineyard management

No systemic chemicals are used at the Josmeyer estate. These act like antibiotics for humans, with all the well-known drawbacks. Plants and preparations are used to help the vines find their vegetative balance. Thus, willow, horsetail and nettle are used in the form of herbal teas or decoctions. This allows us to minimise the use of sulphur and copper. These preventive treatments are carried out in accordance with natural rhythms, particularly the lunar cycle. They create synergy and strengthen the vine’s natural immune system. Pruning is only carried out after vegetative growth has ceased, to prevent the emergence of secondary buds. This naturally results in an airy, light-filled canopy.

The Grape

The winemaker’s task is to ensure that every vine can fulfil its deepest desire: to pass on to its fruit—its ‘future offspring’—all those unique elements of its terroir that will enable it to endure. It is when the sum of these elements reaches maturity that the harvest begins. Produced exclusively by hand and with respect for the raw material. Fermentation takes place without the addition of yeast, enzymes or sugar. The sole aim of winemaking at Domaine Josmeyer is to bring the essence of the grape into the bottle so that it can be shared throughout the wine’s life.

A few photos of the Josmeyer estate in Alsace

Guide to the Best Wines of France ★★

Josmeyer Estate (Alsace).

Today, the fifth generation is at the helm of this estate, founded in 1854: Céline manages the business, whilst Isabelle oversees winemaking. This dynamic duo continues to drive the quality of their biodynamically certified wines towards excellence. Art is ever-present in the Josmeyer family, with poems and drawings by the two sisters featuring on labels and casks alike… Keep your eyes peeled so you don’t miss a thing during your visit to this exemplary estate! The wines’ style, focused on elegance, captivates us. The Hengst grand cru is at its very best here. The Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois are the estate’s signature wines. This range of top-class wines will delight lovers of nuanced, straightforward and dry wines.

(Source: La Revue du Vin de France)

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