2022 Ostertag Sylvaner Vieilles Vignes

At Domaine Ostertag the Sylvaner vines have an average age of 55 years, and have been farmed biodynamically since 1998, like the whole vineyard. The vines are between 30 and 80 years of age, and half of the plots are located in single-vineyard sites. It is made from 10 small plots in total, located in Epfig and Nothalten, with five natures of soils: sandstone; clay; marl; granitas; and alluvium. They have a deeply established root system which brings a surprisingly rich mineral structure for this variety which has the reputation of being quite dilute.

The whole bunches are gently pressed in a pneumatic press for nine hours & fermented gently with its natural yeasts and was aged for one year on its lees in stainless steel tanks. A dry wine, certified organic and biodynamic.

The Sylvaner Vieilles Vignes is the totem wine of the Ostertag estate and we take great pleasure in living with this grape variety that is so demanding in the vineyard as well as in the cellar. It is an unloved grape variety that has been subjected to years of intensive production despite the fact that in reality it has all the makings of a great white wine. A small wine will become great! Though it can be kept for several years, it is in the carefree freshness of its first years that it gives the most pleasure. – Arthur Ostertag