Domaine Étienne Simonis Sylvaner Vieilles Vignes Alsace AOC 2022

Descended from an Alsatian winegrowing family with roots dating back to the 17th century, Étienne Simonis carries on a strong regional tradition. Yet, like many of his generation, he's steered the family’s domaine toward organic, and subsequently biodynamic, farming practices. With seven hectares under vine primarily around the village of Ammerschwihr, Étienne focuses on varieties with strong Alsatian associations. Gewürztraminer makes up more than a third of his plantings, alongside riesling, pinot noir, and sylvaner. This ‘Vieilles Vignes’ (old vines) sylvaner ages on the fine lees in neutral vessels and is bottled without fining, filtration, or any addition of sulfur. A lithe and lively, mineral-driven wine, it's all about balance: Deftly walking the tightrope between ebullience and seriousness, it's textually ideal, racy without scraping, smooth but chiseled, offering a somewhat fruity-somewhat savory palate of fresh pear juice and flint. Certified organic, certified biodynamic, low-intervention/natural wine.