Les Vins Pirouettes Cubique Rouge 2022

Les Vins Pirouettes is a collaborative natural wine project initiated by Christian Binner, one of the leading figures in the Alsace natural wine movement. The project brings together independent winemakers who follow organic and biodynamic practices, helping them produce natural wines with minimal intervention. Each wine under the Pirouettes label is crafted by a small grower who adheres to strict natural winemaking principles, meaning no added sulfites, indigenous yeast fermentations, and no filtering or fining. Les Vins Pirouettes aims to showcase the diversity of Alsace's terroir while allowing winemakers to retain their expressions. Each bottle is unique, reflecting the specific vineyard, the grower's techniques, and the natural conditions of that year. Christian Binner oversees the vinification process to ensure quality and authenticity while supporting these small-scale producers​.

Les Vins Pirouettes wines are known for their freshness, vibrancy, and complexity. They highlight the distinct characteristics of Alsace's varied soils, such as limestone, clay, and granite, contributing to the wines' minerality and tension. Popular wines include Pet-Nats, skin-contact whites (often labeled "orange wines"), and unfiltered, expressive reds.
Pirouettes wines appeal to natural wine enthusiasts who appreciate low-intervention wines that convey a sense of place. Their accessibility and drinkability, combined with a commitment to sustainability, have garnered them a cult following within the natural wine community.

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.