Auxerrois grape variety

Alsace Blanc 2024

Domaine Einhart 

Le Domaine Einhart, vigneron engagé de longue date en agriculture biologique, nous livre ici une cuvée blanche qui capture toute la fraîcheur et la gourmandise des grands blancs alsaciens, sans jamais trahir leur finesse. Ce millésime 2024, tout juste embouteillé, est le fruit d’un assemblage emblématique de la région : Auxerrois majoritaire, accompagné de Muscat, Pinot Gris et Riesling. Un quatuor alsacien vinifié en presse directe, sans fioriture ni sur-extraction, et élevé 7 mois en foudres sur lies fines pour conserver la pureté aromatique et la tension du vin.

Le sol argilo-calcaire, typique de la plaine alsacienne, confère à cette cuvée à la fois rondeur et verticalité. Aucun intrant œnologique, des levures indigènes exclusivement, et une vinification respectueuse des équilibres naturels : un blanc vivant, expressif, et absolument digeste.

Vivacité florale et gourmandise des fruits mûrs

Dès le service, la robe pâle et brillante annonce la fraîcheur du vin. Le nez est très aromatique, dominé par le citron jaune, des notes florales délicates (tilleul, jasmin) et une touche de fruit exotique bien mûr (litchi, mangue fraîche). En bouche, c’est une explosion de fraîcheur : attaque vive, milieu de bouche souple grâce à l’Auxerrois, et finale tendue portée par la patte du Riesling. L'équilibre est parfaitement maîtrisé.

À déguster dès maintenant, à 10-12°C, sur des crustacés, un poisson cuisiné aux agrumes, ou même des fromages à pâte pressée. Une cuvée de plaisir immédiat, à boire dans les deux prochaines années.

Magnum Gauthier White 2022,

Jean-Marc Dreyer

Gauthier is a dry, organic (AB label), biodynamic, and natural macerated white wine (orange wine) from Jean-Marc Dreyer, vinified in Alsace from all the grape varieties cultivated by the winemaker and without the addition of sulfites. Always packaged in magnums, it is simultaneously a rarity, a challenge, a curiosity, and a precious bottle to savor. Gauthier is the first name of a pilgrim on the Way of Saint James who spent some time with Jean-Marc Dreyer and took part in the work in the cellar. Having noticed that the blend of the fin de cuvée was excellent to drink, he suggested to Jean-Marc that he make a special cuvée: "It tastes so good, it would be a shame not to do it!" It tastes incredibly good, even, notes the winemaker.

Vinification

If you are familiar with Jean-Marc Dreyer's Origin range - a series of maceration vintages based on six Alsatian white grape varieties - you will find in Gauthier the synthesis and summary of this range. This wine is in fact the result of the blending of the fin de cuvée of each Origin reference. Once blended, the fin de cuvée are kept for two to three months in barrels to unify the flavors. No added sulfites, no additives, no filtration, indigenous yeasts.

Tasting

This atypical production makes Gauthier a full-bodied, characterful vintage, with a distinct touch of controlled oxidation. Gauthier, of course, contains no more sulfites or additives than the vintages it is made from. That is, zero. It is the synthesis of the Jean-Marc Dreyer estate, and that in itself is a tasting note: refer to each of the other vintages in the Origin range on this site to piece together the puzzle, or, better yet, drink it. With everything that goes with macerated Alsace whites, whether cheeses, local dishes, Lacaune charcuterie or Lyon.

Auxerrois Origin White 2022,

Jean-Marc Dreyer

Auxerrois Origin by Jean-Marc Dreyer is an organic (AB label), biodynamic, and natural dry white Alsatian maceration wine (orange wine), with no added sulfites. Jean-Marc Dreyer's Origin range consists of single-varietal cuvées based on six Alsatian grape varieties (Sylvaner, Auxerrois, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Riesling, and Muscat), enhanced by skin-contact maceration with a touch of controlled oxidation. The discovery of each Origin vintage is always a pleasant surprise.

Vinification

Auxerrois, or Pinot Auxerrois, is a typically Alsatian grape variety with floral and spicy notes. The harvest, done by hand, is macerated for seven days in whole bunches. After pressing and fermentation, the wine is aged for ten to eleven months in Alsatian style, in tuns and demi-muids, without topping up. Biodynamic method, fermentation with indigenous yeasts, unfiltered, unclarified, no sulfites added in the vineyard or cellar.

Tasting

Floral, fresh, seductive, slightly smoky, Auxerrois Origin by Jean-Marc Dreyer is both atypical and delicious. The maceration gives it a distinguished chew on very fine tannins. With its amber color, floral notes, seductive bitters, delicious salinity, hints of white peach and citrus, and perfect straightness, it is ready for any pairing. A bellota Iberico ham would melt with happiness next to it, but it will also be a delight alongside smoked fish, seafood platters, mature cheeses, or white meats. We will enjoy it, for our part, with a beautiful roasted poultry.

Learn more about Jean-Marc Dreyer

Jean-Marc Dreyer, a biodynamic and natural Alsace winemaker (AB organic certification label), succeeds several generations of his family at the Dreyer & Fils estate, created in 1830 between Obernai and Molsheim. Upon taking over the estate, he immediately opted for biodynamics. In 2009, upon returning from a pilgrimage to Compostela, he decided never to add sulfur to any wine again. Having made this decision, he asserted his style around skin maceration, accentuated, chiseled, bringing out the soul of Alsatian grape varieties. Jean-Marc also works with direct pressing and often with single varietals. He also produces Pinot Noir reds of surprising depth.

Maceration and Direct Press

Jean-Marc Dreyer's wines are characterized by whole-bunch maceration (but you should also taste his direct-press whites). "Maceration in Alsace," he says, "is an ancestral tradition! In the past, we worked by hand and let the grapes macerate before sending the marc to the press." Gentle oxidation is also a particular characteristic of his wines, generally vinified without topping up. Jean-Marc is best known for his "Origin" series, a finely macerated expression of Alsace grape varieties, but we invite you to discover his other wines.

Auxerrois Origin Blanc 2020,

Jean-Marc Dreyer

With his Origin range, Jean-Marc Dreyer highlights Alsatian grape varieties through unique and committed winemaking. Auxerrois Origin 2020 is a vibrant interpretation of this grape variety, also known as Pinot Blanc, vinified using whole bunch maceration, giving it superb aromatic intensity and a captivating texture.

A natural wine, blending tradition and modernity

Based on biodynamic methods, Jean-Marc Dreyer cultivates his vines with absolute respect for all living things. Fermentation is carried out solely by indigenous yeasts, without additives or artificial ingredients. Unfiltered and unclarified, this macerated Auxerrois reveals a unique personality, combining purity and complexity. Its precise aging and artisanal method result in a dense, dry, and structured wine, driven by a magnificent salinity and an intense aromatic expression.

An atypical and seductive white

Its amber color with golden highlights testifies to its maceration. The nose is an intoxicating bouquet of white flowers, stone fruits, and sweet spices, with a slightly oxidative touch reminiscent of great macerated wines. On the palate, the attack is ample and vibrant, offering a nice tension and a saline finish that prolongs the pleasure. A wine that is fresh, straightforward, and delicious, a true sensory experience.

Food pairings and tasting moments

Served between 12 and 14°C, Auxerrois Origin pairs perfectly with a plate of Ibérico de Bellota ham, a grilled fish with citrus fruits, or even mature cheeses such as an old Comté or a mature Munster. Its structured character also allows it to accompany spicy dishes or fusion cuisine.