Christian Binner Schlossberg Alsace Grand Cru 2019

Christian Binner, a respected figure in the natural wine community, hails from a long-standing family of winemakers established in Ammerschwihr, Alsace, in 1770. Initially engaged in polyculture, the Binner family shifted focus to wine-growing post-World War II. They have a rich tradition of organic farming, a practice they embraced well before the advent of official certifications. In the 1950s, amid the agricultural shift towards mechanization and chemical fertilizers, the Binner family, led by their patriarch, chose to stick with traditional farming methods. This commitment involved labor-intensive handwork and the use of manure and natural treatments in the vineyards, which has led to the preservation of vines dating back to the 1930s.

The Binners' philosophy of organic practices also extends to their cellar practices. Influenced by Marcel Lapierre, a legendary Beaujolais grower and a pioneer in the natural wine movement, the family began crafting wines without added sulfur as early as the 1990s under Joseph Binner's guidance. This approach solidified their reputation as key players in the natural wine community. The Binner family's legacy in organic and natural wine production continues to be upheld through generations, contributing significantly to the natural wine movement.

Christian Binner's winemaking extends beyond his family's estate. In 2015, he initiated Les Vins Pirouettes, a collaborative project aiding Alsatian organic and biodynamic growers in making zero-sulfur wines in their cellars. This initiative has become highly popular, further establishing Binner as an innovative force in Alsatian winemaking. His wines reflect the identity and personality of their place of origin rather than just the grape varietals. Binner's wines, including a diverse range from Riesling to Pinot Noir, are made with minimal intervention, celebrating the unique terroirs of Alsace.

The Alsace wine region, located in northeastern France along the Rhine River, is renowned for its exceptional wines. This region stretches from Marlenheim in the north to Thann in the south, encompassing a diverse landscape influenced by French and German cultures. The Vosges Mountains to the west create a rain shadow effect, making Alsace one of the driest wine regions in France. It also has a unique microclimate that is ideal for viticulture. Alsace's vineyards cover approximately 15,500 hectares and produce wines under three main appellations: Alsace AOC, Alsace Grand Cru AOC, and Crémant d'Alsace AOC. The Alsace AOC includes a variety of white, rosé, and red wines. At the same time, Alsace Grand Cru AOC designates the region's top-quality vineyard sites, focusing primarily on four noble grape varieties: Riesling, Pinot Gris, Muscat, and Gewurztraminer. Crémant d'Alsace, the region's sparkling wine, follows traditional Champagne methods and primarily uses Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Riesling grapes.

Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat are the cornerstone grapes of Alsace, known for producing aromatic and expressive wines. The region also produces notable Pinot Noir wines, typically lighter in style than those from Burgundy. However, warmer summers are leading to more robust expressions of this grape. The Alsace Wine Route, established in 1953, spans 170 kilometers and offers a picturesque journey through charming villages, medieval towns, and stunning vineyards. Key stops along the route include Strasbourg, Ribeauville, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, and Colmar, each offering unique cultural and historical experiences and opportunities to taste and explore the region's diverse wines.