Stéphane Bannwarth

DREAM PROJECT
The Bannwarth family estate, with its traditional Alsatian varieties, is a treasure trove for wine enthusiasts. It produces three categories of wine, each with its unique charm: conventional, natural, and the prestigious Qvevri line. The Qvevri, a process we first encountered in 2012 at a wine fair in Colmar, immediately captured our imagination. Stéphane Bannwarth's dream project and the Qvevri left us in awe. The first harvest of 2011 was a revelation. What a unique and intriguing process!
The Qvevri won't let us go.

GEORGIA
A handful of families have made the Qvevris in the mountains of Georgia, and the Bannwarths have buried them up to their necks in the front garden of their parental home. The Qvevri is a unique vessel, closed with a plexiglass lid and topped with wood chips and canvas, without walls and heating. The temperature inside the Qvevri remains remarkably consistent, creating the perfect environment for the wine to mature. Before use, a layer of beeswax is applied to the inside, sinking into the pores and making the Qvevri waterproof. To work more practically, Stéphane experiments with the wines by placing the grapes in the Qvevri in a bag with fine mesh. As with all his wines, he wants to work as naturally as possible, allowing the unique characteristics of the Qvevri to influence the wine's flavour and texture.

ORANGE WINE
The soaking of the skins (maceration)takes at least six months. It is not such a problem for the red wines. They are always quite recognizable. But for the white wines, this is exceptional, and the result is usually an orange wine. It is often cloudy, with intoxicating aromas and a tannic structure. Every vintage is different and, therefore, unique. All bottles have a handy glass stopper with a silicone seal that allows a minimum of air into the bottle so that they can continue to develop. This unique process results in a wine that is not just a beverage but an experience.

A SEA OF FLAVOURS
As we taste, mood and movement are sometimes turbulent and mottled with an almost buttery sheen and keep changing. We taste a sea of flavours that changes completely when the bottle is open for longer.
In recent years, we have noted spices, stone fruit, gentian root, ginger, apple, peppermint, white pepper, wildflowers, curry, caramel, plums, apricot nectar, honeydew, guava, jasmine, iron, currants, raisins, pumpkin, cider and peach. The colour palette also varies from gold to amber to mahogany. The wines are dynamic, majestic and extremely interesting in their evolution. Free from oxidation and free from faults. Complex and reserved with a crackling energy. They were screaming for gastronomy.
We are more than fans.

AMPHORA CELLAR
The new spectacular amphora cellar is ready to be admired. It is an incredible example of the courage, daring, and decisiveness of the entire Bannwarth family, who stand up for each other regarding the best quality of their wine. This commitment to quality is not just a promise but a guarantee that every bottle you purchase is a testament to their dedication and expertise.