Andre Ostertag could hardly be called a run-of-the-mill Alsace winemaker. To some traditionalists he is an eccentric, constantly tinkering and experimenting with new styles that break the mould, but in reality he simply seeks to coax ultimate expression from the varieties and his various vineyard terroirs. Open-minded and innovative, he does not restrict himself to conventional techniques or the AOC rule books. He studied in Beaune where he struck up a long and lasting friendship with Dominique Lafon of Meursault before returning to Epfig.

A believer in the advantages of sharply restricted yields, his hand-picked vines produce around just 50 hectolitres per hectare - a different league from the 120 seen in neighbouring domaines. The resulting wines have concentration and immense personality. Other practices seldom seen elsewhere in Alsace include pre-fermentation maceration, an absence of filtration and ageing in new oak. André has been practicing biodynamic viticulture since 1997. He makes his own compost but buys biodynamic preparations from an association as Alsace is not set up for treating vineyards as a farm, due to the myriad of single plot holdings and locations. All biodynamic preparations are used here but at different times according to need. Andre sprays nettle tea...

Andre Ostertag could hardly be called a run-of-the-mill Alsace winemaker. To some traditionalists he is an eccentric, constantly tinkering and experimenting with new styles that break the mould, but in reality he simply seeks to coax ultimate expression from the varieties and his various vineyard terroirs. Open-minded and innovative, he...