Salon de vin libres
Despite the Intense Heat, Wine Enthusiasts Bravely Attend Natural Wine Festival
In mid-July, Alsace is gripped by a relentless heatwave, suffocating the region with scorching temperatures. After months without rainfall, attending a natural wine festival under such conditions might seem less than ideal. Yet, undeterred by the sweltering 39-degree heat, wine lovers gather, eager to enjoy their cherished wine in these trying circumstances.
The once lush landscapes of Alsace, known for their verdant vineyards and charming villages, are now parched under the unforgiving sun. The dry earth beneath their feet is a stark reminder of the ongoing drought.
As festival-goers come together beneath the relentless sun, their enthusiasm and commitment to the event are nothing short of impressive. In response to the harsh conditions, event organizers have thoughtfully set up shaded areas and cooling stations to offer some respite from the heat.
The line up
A fantastic selection of Vinerogns
The Garden Setting of the Biotope all very Monet.
Le Biotope d’Isa et Yvon – Espace floral Herzog, what only can be descibed as an art garden, complete with duck pond , greenhouses ,used as a plant nursery and Event Space , it was the perfect setting for the days events, art installations , chilled water fountains , coffee bars and food stands ,and of course a lot of hipsters and Wine.
Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Alsace lies a vinicultural utopia that seems straight out of a Hans Christian Andersen tale. With its rolling vineyards and storybook villages, this region resembles a veritable wine Disneyland.
The Event itself was based in the town of Mittelbergheim in the north of Alsace just south of Strasbourg.
Ananda Wines: An Enchanting Italian Journey Crafted by Edoardo Sacchetto.
Their wines, are lovely and wild, Among these treasures, the limited-edition Merlot stands out as a true sensation—a mere 80 bottles were crafted.. Edoardo's adventurous spirit extends beyond conventional winemaking, as he also explores the infusion of ganja into his wines, resulting in a truly unique and enjoyable experience. Although it is believed to be CBD plants that have been carefully selected for this process, one wonders if the summer's heat inadvertently led to a higher THC content—perhaps a serendipitous accident that adds an unexpected touch of intrigue.
RAPHAËL BEYSANG & ÉMÉLIE HURTUBISE
"Pouring his usual selection of wines, no fuss about it—just great wine from the master himself. We tasted LES PALTIERES, a delightful Gamay made from very old vines. It’s fruity, unfiltered, and free of added sulphates. Served chilled due to the heat, it’s a perfect way to enjoy this refreshing Gamay. Many Swiss enjoy it chilled in the summer, and it’s certainly lovely that way."
After a few wine tastings, I’m feeling the effects, possibly from the heat, although I’ve only been here for 30 minutes. The temptation to switch to beer is strong—there’s plenty available—but I remember the wise words of Keith Richards: “Never mix the grape and the grain.” He’s still going strong, so I try to stick to his advice.
I then had the pleasure of visiting Stéphane Cyran, a passionate vigneron based in Lorraine. Stéphane is a laid-back character, but during our time together, he was engrossed in a deep conversation with another vigneron about what qualifies as "natural." It was interesting to note that many of the vignerons there had added sulphates to their wines, while Stéphane, a true purist, keeps things as natural as possible.
I had the chance to taste three of his wines, and they were all delightful. One of the highlights was his Gewürztraminer, a wine directly pressed from the grape, known as "Tout à Go." This wine is currently a trend among wine enthusiasts. The grape, typically sweetened for the mass market, is transformed here into a dry, herbaceous creation that truly surprises the palate. It's a refreshing twist on the familiar and a testament to Stéphane’s commitment to producing sulphate-free, natural wines of the highest order.
The Lovely shaded chill out section , Complete with PVC and Leather Couches that you can scorch your ass on after a few wines.This section was also the area of the event in which the Alsace vignerons were. the best place in the Biotope .. it was a home game after all.
Alsace Vignerons get the best spots
Christian Binner , Pierre frick , Julian Meyer and Gerard Schueller
Some events are great for families with kids, while others aren't quite as suitable. This one isn't too bad, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it. I think organizers should consider this more, especially since many winemakers and visitors bring their children. For example, Biojolaines in Leynes in mid-June is fantastic for families. It's well-planned with magicians, games, and music.
My wife and child spent most of their time in the food area, indulging in ice cream, waffles, and chips—the quality is excellent.
Team France – Beleg is making the best chips and waffles. The quality is outstanding, and they serve consistently.
And then there’s the choucroute on a roll—when in Rome! The cabbage cooked in vinegar and wine with ham knuckle and sausage is just what you need, even in 30°C heat, to soak up the alcohol. In France, meat and dairy are celebrated, which is always a nice touch.
Petite Oratoire
led by Lori Haon based in Valliguières , Gard ..Rhone sud , great wines and reasonable priced , all bio dynamic and unsulfated.
Lovely wine , and all natural , Lori has a massive 26ha , which is huge amount of vines..but so far so good.
We tasted Koalitre as the name suggests , comes in litre bottles , its a glou glou Grenache and Cinsault from young Vines. Hand picked and zero sulphates.
Jajatoès Made from a blend of Grenache Blanc and Viognier, this wine offers a pronounced apple nose and, on the palate, aromas of fresh fruit (pear, melon, apricot) and dried fruit. Its roundness and fat are well balanced by a nice freshness
Things stating to wind down by 4 , djs started up , lots of beer being drunk and a party is brewing away , a great day with great weather.. a must for natural wine enthusiasts
Links
Mini Salon this year
Same place as last year , Tickets on the Door.
