New in: Domaine Durrmann
Domaine Durrmann
France, Alsace, Andlau
The Durrmann family are making wine from their old family house in the middle of Andlau, a beautiful village nestled on the first slopes of the Vosges mountains south-west of Strasbourg.
The vineyards are scattered on about 30 spots around the village. They added parcels progressively when opportunities showed up and looked also for different soil qualities so that the cuvées express several terroirs.
The Durrmanns think that the quality of the wine is created by the work in the vineyard, that’s why their objective is its preservation. The wines are being disturbed as little as possible. They do not add any oenological product to change the natural taste of the wines. The production is partly vinified in inox tank and partly in old wooden casks.
Son Yann has worked in the domaine since he was a child and officially took over the running of the business a year ago. André was among the first wave of organic winemakers in Alsace converting in 1998, Yann has then taken this a step further applying a more natural approach in the cellar. Selected cuvées are produced without sulfur addition since 2007.
The Durrmanns are true eco warriors only having electric cars and using solar energy for hot water and heating.
We've had a quick chat with Yann:
What can you tell us about the new 2019 cuvées we have received?
The Pinot Blanc has a rather expressive nose with creamy apple perfume, fresh smooth taste with long finish and a hint of vanilla. Made half from Pinot blanc from schist soil, hence the freshness and length, and half from Pinot Auxerrois (a cousin from the Pinot Blanc), hence the fruity character.
The Rosé Pinot Noir has a delicate nose of redcurrant, progressively going into raspberry. It is very crispy and fruity. It was made from Pinot Noir which was harvested early to achieve the crispy style, and one day of maceration to have the lovely colour.
The Zegwur is very fruity with perfume of exotic fruits: kiwi and litchi. Fresh mouth with passion fruits notes and a pleasant bitterness.
None of the cuvées have added sulfur and were farmed organically.
Which wines do you enjoy drinking besides your own?
I like the Riesling variety in particular: it's crisp and refreshing, perfect for warm and sunny days.
Talking about the current situation we are facing - how did the lockdown affect you?
There are good and bad sides to it. On one hand the business slowed down as far as private customers and orders. Also every supply chain is on hold: it is hard getting labels printed, order empty bottles so we can fill them up...Anything which has to do with outside help.
But then I have also had a lot more time to dedicate myself to the vineyard, which I have really enjoyed as well. This year we are a month ahead climate wise, as it started to get warmer earlier. So I had to be quick in finishing the pruning process, which I was able to do thanks to the confinement. If this trend continues, we are expecting an early harvest towards the end of August.
How is your area affected?
In this area of France we were the first ones to be affected, so people are taking it very serious and are respecting the confinement. Everyone knows someone who has been to hospital. So I hope we will also be the first ones to get out on the other end.
Fingers crossed!
White
Pinot Blanc Nature 2019 - Pinot Blanc, Pinot Auxerrois - £17.10
An abundance of fun! A spritzy and hazy cuvee filled with grapefruit and citrus aromas and with a textural and less-y pallet. Drink with light and spicy veg dishes.
Zegwur 2019 - Gewurztraminer - £22.80
An aromatic and exotic wine picked from granite soils. Fleshy and pithy citrus fruit nose with a mineral and floral finish. The wine remains on the lees the whole time during fermentation adding texture to the pallet. A party pleaser or a perfect accompaniment with Thai dishes.
Rosé
Pinot Noir Rosé Nature 2019 - Pinot Noir - £21.90
A beautiful hazy pink coloured rose made with Pinot Noir from 2 different terroirs. Fruity with a touch of spice. Summer sophistication.