In the northern most hills of the Alsace AOC of eastern France, Domaine Ansen has been a family of grape growers, fruit orchard farmers, cattle raisers, and all things in between, for over 400 years. In the mid-nineties, Daniel Ansen set out to learn the trade of winemaking, spending time not only in Alsace, but also Australia, the United States, and Bordeaux, where he went to enology school. In 2010 he moved back into the old family house with his wife Karine and took over the fields from his father, looking forward to converting everything to organic viticulture, and starting to make wine from their own grapes that had always gone to a local cooperative. Slowly expanding in Alsace's divers land, Daniel farms 8.5 hectares, in 40 plots (some are as small as 2 rows of vines), to 8 varieties, on 3 different soil types (black clay, limestone, and sandstone). Careful hand harvesting, the use of stainless steel for natural fermentations and aging, and very little (to zero) sulfite use in the finished wines, he lets each grape express their natural characteristics to the fullest, be it laser acidity, sweet ripe fruit, or a combination of both.
DOMAINE ANSEN - VIRTUAL VISIT
The following interview was recorded in the fall of 2020 during the Covid lockdown. These videos were intended to promote sales and create requests for samples during a time when promoting new wines was challenging. Although this promotion is over, the videos contain SO MUCH great content that we want to make it available to you.
To watch this Virtual Visit on YouTube - click HERE Pro-Tip: Underneath each video there is an expandable description (click Show More) where you will find 'time-stamps' that are quick-linked to particular topics throughout the video for easy navigation and quick information
The following interview was recorded in the fall of 2020 during the Covid lockdown. These videos were intended to promote sales and create requests for samples during a time when promoting new wines was challenging. Although this promotion is over, the videos contain SO MUCH great content that we want to make it available to you.
To watch this Virtual Visit on YouTube - click HERE Pro-Tip: Underneath each video there is an expandable description (click Show More) where you will find 'time-stamps' that are quick-linked to particular topics throughout the video for easy navigation and quick information
domaine ansen cremant d'alsace 'struch' brut
100% pinot noir The Domaine Ansen Cremant d’Alsace Struch Brut is a Blanc de Noir of Pinot Noir from a small plot of vines planted on a southward facing hill called Struch. The weather in 2016 required a lot of attention in the vineyards, but by the time harvest came, the weather spiked and allowed for some very healthy grapes. The fruit was pressed from whole bunches into stainless steel tanks and a very neutral yeast was used to aid in fermentation in order to keep the temperatures very low and the aromatics and phenolics of the wine present. On April 8th, 2017, the wine was bottled and then after 30 months of rest, was disgorged and given a dosage from its own grape’s residual sugar of 6 g/l. The clay and limestone soils are difficult on this hill, and force the vine roots to go very deep for nutrients, therefore showing great elegance and length in the final wine. Creamy and delicious Pinot fruit is expressed immediately on the palate with a touch of cherry liqueur and vanilla, while leading to a crunchy stony mid-palate of graceful minerality. |
ansen cremant d'alsace rosé brut nature
100% pinot noir The Domaine Ansen Cremant d’Alsace Rosé Brut Nature is a pure expression of Pinot Noir from a small plot of vines that were planted in 2013. Since Pinot Noir is the only allowed red grape in Cremant, and it is illegal to blend white and red grapes, this is a 100% expression of the grape. The fruit was pressed from whole bunches into stainless steel tanks for a long and slow cold fermentation. The wine was bottled and then after 20 months of rest, this sparkling is disgorged on demand with no dosage and only topped up with the same juice from other bottles. Between the non-fertile clay soils, the extreme temperature shifts of the region, and the soft touch with the grapes, the result is quite delicate in the glass with a gorgeous concentration of aromas. Strawberry and balsamic tones lead with vivacity on the nose and continue on to the palate. Loaded with zippy lime zest, small berries, and pure and fresh minerality, bone-dry austerity, and a long delicious finish. |
domaine ansen edelzwicker
auxerrois & gewurztraminer The Domaine Ansen Edelzwicker is the estate’s first vintage of a very old style of regional wine. Traditionally Edelzwicker was made for easy, everyday consumption, and bottled in a 1-liter bottle so that restaurants could serve 2 half-liters from it in carafe. Each winery’s style can differ, but Domaine Ansen pulls from a couple different small plots of old clay soils to accomplish different blends each year, with this being 80% Auxerrois and 20% Gewurztraminer. After natural fermentation in stainless steel tanks and several months rest, the wine is bottled and ready for immediate consumption, staying true to the style of easy-going and a fresh white. The nose is very aromatic and enjoyable, full of white flowers, ripe pears, and fresh peaches, leading to a palate that is the complete opposite. In the mouth there is tension, drive, citrus, minerals, and lasting acidity, making this wine such an enjoyable experience to drink. |
domaine ansen 'geierstein' riesling
100% riesling The Domaine Ansen Geierstein Riesling comes from a remarkable south-facing hill that is just north of Westhoffen. The earth is so dense with limestone that the ground glows a yellow hue, and the rock strata actually moves in the opposite direction of the slope, thus channeling any water that comes in to the north, and away from the vines. This extremely dry vineyard has remarkably deep roots and always shows a gorgeous minerality and elegance in the finished wine from this special terroir. Once hand-harvested, the whole bunches are gently pressed and naturally fermented in stainless steel tanks. After a light, single filtration, the wine was bottled in the spring after a 6-month rest, and then laid down for a few years to mature in bottle. The result is nothing short of spectacular, expressive, and gorgeously linear. Bright crisp apples and lemon-lime are folded into pure minerality and lead to a very long finish of clean, mouth-watering acidity. This Riesling will continue to age well for many years to come. 
domaine ansen rosé de pinot noir
100% pinot noir The Domaine Ansen Rosé de Pinot Noir is possibly one of the greatest expressions of Daniel’s Pinot Noir fruit. By law, this wine is 100% Pinot Noir, and comes from a small plot of vines in clay soils. After hand-harvesting the fruit, it starts natural fermentation from both direct press and saignee juice in stainless steel tanks, making the final result a pale yet fairly vibrant pink color. After resting for nearly 6 months in tank, the wine is bottled and ready for release. Bottled in late May, this gorgeous rosé is full of life aromatically; loaded with fresh red berries, purple flowers, and a slightly earthy forest floor nuance that is mysterious and enticing. The palate is very fresh and alive, showing ample acidity to accompany the full brigade of flavors like small fresh strawberries, juicy red cherries, rocks, flowers, and dust. |
domaine ansen 'lerchensand' riesling
100% riesling The Domaine Ansen ‘Lerchensand’ Riesling comes from a single small plot of vines where the soil is based on Triassic marl named Keuper. On this southeast facing hill, not only are pieces of gypsum found in this rich soil, but the gray, mauve, and yellow clay is also extremely rich in salt content. In the cellar the grapes are pressed and naturally ferment in stainless steel tanks and remain with the lees for about 12 months before a light filtration and bottling. The finished wine is deeply complex, bone dry, and so very satisfying. The aromas come across with lime zest, fresh lemon, yellow apple, green pear, and wet stone. In the mouth, there is a delicate balance between the fresh mineral-driven acidity and the incredible weight and texture that takes the palate on a journey through to the end. Sensationally fresh and vibrant, this Riesling can pair with an exciting amount of different cuisine. 
domaine ansen pinot noir
100% pinot noir The Domaine Ansen VdF Pinot Noir comes from a small plot of vines that Daniel’s father planted in 1981 (5500 vines per hectare), grown on marl soils. After the grapes were hand harvested, 40% was left in whole cluster, and 60% were destemmed, and then fermentation began spontaneously in stainless steel tanks. After a gentle pressing the wine rested for several more months before it was bottled, having never seen sulfites, nor being filtered. This light and fresh Pinot Noir is low in alcohol yet full of lively character and nuance. The nose is packed with dark berries, as well as spice and underbrush. Clean and crisp fruit and earth on the palate makes for delightfully easy drinking, and has a refreshing side full of bright and long acidity. |
domaine ansen 'lerchensand' sans soufre
sylvaner The Domaine Ansen Lerchensand Sylvaner is a skin-fermented dry white wine from a single, south-facing hillside called Lerchensand. This narrow hill has rich clay soils that are underlined by a 210-million-year-old seabed of salt and marl that stores the summer’s warmth for a long vegetation period, giving incredible depth and complexity to the vines above. After a hand-harvest and de-stemming, natural fermentation began in stainless steel with the skins for about 12 days until a gentle pressing back into tank. With 5 months on the lees, the wine was bottled without any sulfites and left to rest for a few months before released to the market. The nose is feral and wild with aromas of peach, melon, and orange pith. On the palate, a full-body of white fruit, hints of lime, and a gripping texture lead to an untamed yet tasty finish. |