Brand et Fils La Chimère NV

Domaine Brand & Fils, located in Ergersheim, Alsace, France, is a family-owned winery with a rich history dating back to 1956. Founded by Lucien Brand, the estate initially practiced polyculture farming before transitioning to viticulture. In the 1990s, Charles Brand, Lucien's son, began converting the vineyards to organic farming, achieving certification in 2001. Philippe Brand, representing the third generation, joined the estate in 2006 and introduced biodynamic practices, obtaining Demeter certification in 2015. The estate spans approximately 10 hectares, cultivating traditional Alsatian grape varieties such as Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Muscat, Sylvaner, Pinot Gris, and Gewürztraminer. The vineyards benefit from the region's diverse terroir, characterized by clay and limestone soils, which contribute to the unique expression of their wines.

In the cellar, Philippe Brand adheres to natural winemaking principles, employing spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts and avoiding the addition of sulfites. The wines are neither fined nor filtered, allowing for the purest expression of the grape and terroir. This approach has led to a diverse portfolio, including still whites, reds, and sparkling Crémant d'Alsace, each reflecting the authenticity and vibrancy of the region. Domaine Brand & Fils is recognized for its commitment to producing biodynamic and natural wines that embody the essence 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.