Christian Binner
Christian Binner, representing the 10th generation of his family's winemaking legacy, is a towering figure in the natural wine movement, not just in Alsace but globally. The Binner family has been farming in Ammerschwihr, Alsace, since 1770, and Christian has profoundly deepened their commitment to natural practices.
His philosophy is an uncompromising dedication to biodynamic viticulture (Demeter certified since 2020) and non-interventionist winemaking. He believes in fostering a vibrant, living ecosystem in his vineyards, which span 8 hectares of family-owned vines and 7 hectares from trusted biodynamic growers, including plots on prestigious Grand Crus like Kaefferkopf, Schlossberg, and Wineck-Schlossberg. In the cellar, Christian's approach is similarly purist: hand-harvested grapes, spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts, long aging on fine lees in old foudres or his unique anthroposophical bioclimatic cellar (built with natural local materials and curved lines to align with natural energies), and absolutely no fining, filtration, or added sulfur since 2013. He believes that sulfur inhibits a wine's true expression and longevity. Beyond his own wines, Christian also founded Les Vins Pirouettes in 2015, a collaborative project that mentors and markets natural wines from other organic and biodynamic Alsatian growers.
Christian Binner produces a diverse and highly sought-after range of Alsatian wines, including Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Muscat, and Pinot Noir. He is particularly renowned for his skin-contact (orange) wines, long-aged cuvées, and expressive Grand Cru bottlings. His wines are characterized by their purity, depth, vibrant acidity, and remarkable ability to age, truly reflecting the unique Alsatian terroirs.
Online Retailers (Global & EU Focus)
International Retailers & Distributors (Examples)
- **France (Alsace & Beyond):**
- **Winery Direct Sales (by Appointment):** Domaine Christian Binner is located at 2 Rue des Romains, 68770 Ammerschwihr, Alsace. Given his importance to natural wine tourism, cellar door visits and direct purchases are likely possible by appointment. Contact them via their website or phone for details.
- **Specialized Wine Shops (Cavistes):** Look for natural wine shops and fine wine retailers across France, especially in major cities like Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg. Christian Binner wines are well-distributed within France. Examples include: Caves Augé (Paris), Le Verre Volé (Paris), La Cave du Sommelier (Rennes), Le Vindivin (Nantes), Les Zinzins du Vin (Besançon), Le Vin des Vivants (Lyon), Vercoquin (Lyon).
- **United States:**
- **Jenny & François Selections (US Importer):** A key importer of Christian Binner wines into the US. Inquire with local natural wine shops or fine wine retailers working with Jenny & François.
- **Primal Wine (Online, US):** As mentioned, a reliable online source for US customers.
- **MYSA Natural Wine (Online, US):** Also a strong online option for US customers.
- **Chambers Street Wines (NYC):** A renowned natural wine shop in New York City that consistently stocks Christian Binner wines.
- **Astor Wines & Spirits (NYC):** A large and well-regarded retailer in New York City that carries a selection of Christian Binner.
- **The Natural Wine Company (Brooklyn, NY):** Another dedicated natural wine shop in NYC that features Binner's wines.
- *Contact independent wine shops, especially those focused on natural wines or innovative Alsatian producers, in major US cities (e.g., NYC, LA, SF, Chicago, Portland, Seattle).*
- **United Kingdom:**
- **Les Caves de Pyrène (UK Importer/Retailer):** As mentioned, a primary source for Binner in the UK.
- **Sip Wines (Online, UK):** Often carries a selection of Binner wines.
- **Forest Wines (UK Retailer):** A London-based natural wine specialist that frequently stocks Christian Binner.
- *Look for independent wine merchants and natural wine bars in London and other major UK cities who champion natural and biodynamic Alsatian wines.*
- **Canada:**
- **Oenopole (Quebec, Canada Importer):** A leading natural wine importer in Quebec that lists Christian Binner in their portfolio.
- **Vine Arts Wine & Spirits (Alberta, Canada Retailer):** Has carried Christian Binner wines.
- *Check with specialized private wine shops (where permitted) or provincial liquor boards/agencies that focus on natural wines in major Canadian cities (e.g., Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver).*
- **Scandinavia (e.g., Denmark, Sweden, Norway):**
- **Lieu-Dit (Denmark):** A Copenhagen-based retailer that has carried Christian Binner.
- **Systembolaget (Sweden):** As a state monopoly, check their online selection for Binner.
- *These markets have a strong appreciation for natural wines; look for specialized importers and retailers.*
- **Asia (e.g., Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore):**
- **RAW WINE Asia:** Christian Binner is a frequent participant in RAW WINE events globally, including those in Asia, indicating established distribution. Look for importers specializing in natural French wines.
Winery Information & General Profile
- **Grand Cru Wines:** Riesling Schlossberg, Gewürztraminer Kaefferkopf, Riesling Wineck-Schlossberg.
- **Skin Contact/Orange Wines:** "Si Rose" (often a blend), "Sarabée Skin Touch."
- **Single Varietal Expressions:** Riesling "Le Salon des Bains," Pinot Noir "Excellence," Muscat.
- **Blends & Cuvees:** "Saveurs" (often a blend of various white Alsatian grapes), "Amour Schwihr" (often a co-ferment of red & white grapes, or a blend), "Cricri," "Pinot Noir "Beatrice."
- **Pét-Nats & Crémants:** Traditional method sparkling wines from various Alsatian grapes.
- **Les Vins Pirouettes:** Collaborations (e.g., "Espectacular," "Eros," "Ultra Violet") with other growers, also made naturally.
