Salon de vin libres
A Sweltering Heatwave Descends on Alsace, Challenging Natural Wine Enthusiasts
Despite Unfavorable Weather, Enthusiasts Brave the Scorching Sun for a Natural Wine Festival
In the midst of mid-July in Alsace, a relentless heatwave has taken hold, enveloping the region in sweltering temperatures.
With months passing without a drop of rain, it appears that visiting a natural wine festival during such conditions may not be the most ideal choice. Yet, undeterred by the scorching sun and a scorching 39-degree day, wine aficionados gather, ready to indulge in their beloved beverage under challenging circumstances.
The picturesque landscapes of Alsace usually beckon visitors with their verdant vineyards and quaint villages. However, this year's heatwave has cast a different hue upon the region. the lack of rain apparent in the parched earth beneath their feet.
As attendees gather beneath the blistering sun, one can't help but marvel at their determination and passion. The festival organizers have made efforts to mitigate the harsh weather, providing shaded areas and cooling stations for the participants.
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 usually liners of wine , No messy about , great wine from the big man , we tasted LES PALTIERES a lovely Gamay , fruity from very old vines , Unfiltered , with no added sulphates. served chilled due to the heat , which it is lovely chilled Gamay..quite a few Swiss drink it chilled in the summer..
Tasted a few other wines there , I’ve got a head on , must be the heat , only been here for 30 minutes.. Tempted to go for a beer which is plentiful , Never mix the grape and the grain as Keith Richards once said, he’s still alive so I live to that advice.
A visit to Stephane Cyran , a passionate vigneron based in Lorraine , a pretty laid back guy, he was in deep discussion with another vigneron about what classifies as natural , as quite a few vigneron there had sulphates in there wines stephane after all is a purest ,had 3 wines to taste , all very nice, Gonzo, Tout a go, , ‘C’est la mode’ at the moment, Gerwurtraminer directly pressed gem known as Tout a go—considered a current trend among wine enthusiasts—his creations offer a fresh take on the familiar. This grape, renowned for its floral character, is typically sweetened for the mass market, but not in this case. Our vigneron dares to defy convention, delivering a dry and herbaceous delight that surprises and delights the palate. A no Sulphate purest 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
Food , Reviews
Some events are good to attend with Kids and Some Are Not..This is not to bad..although i would not recommend it .something i think a lot of organisers should think more about , as a lot of vignerons and Punters have kids. Biojoleynes in Leynes mid june is fantastic for Families , well thought out , Magicians , games and music.
My wife and kid spent most of there time in the food area, eating ice cream , waffles and chips , the quality is fantastic .
The Team France - Beleg making the best chips and waffles .. excellent quality and steady
Choucroute on a roll , when I’m Rome .. too good, cabbage that’s cooked in vinegar and wine with ham knuckle and sausage, just what you need even in 30degree heat to soak up the alcohol ,as it being France meat and dairy are not frowned upon ,which is nice.
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.
