Christian Binner Saveurs Macérés 2022

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.