Domain: Frey Charles
Winegrower: Dominique & Julien Frey
Town: Dambach La Ville
Region: Alsace
Appelations: Alsace, Alsace Grand Cru, Crémant d’Alsace
Cultivated Space: 13 ha
Production: 90-95 000 bottles
Soil: Granitic sand, schist, sandy loam, clay & silt.
THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE DOMAIN
In 1997, we decided to switch to organic wine growing under Ecocert control.
Since 2001, we practice biodynamic agriculture successfully. We strive to convey to the wine the energy and life that we provide to our grapes so that the wine is the most palatable and alive possible. Biodynamic agriculture is first and foremost taking care of the soil. We must guarantee its balance and craft harmonic relationships between the soil, the plant and the environment.
MODE OF DRIVING OF THE VINEYARD, WINE-MAKING AND AGEING
The soil receives a thorough care in order to: better the leaf development, enhance the plant roots, increase the soil quality by augmenting the variety of bacteria. One row out of two is grassed with a temporary grass made of a mix of various plants with the purpose of creating the largest possible biodiversity and insect shelter. Each vine treatment is continually performed with herbal decoctions (nettles, equisetum and willows). Compost and soil preparation are extremely important. Grapes are gathered manually. The grape is wholly poured in the press without crushing or destemming so that it’s not damaged. The pressurage is performed slowly and gently. We let Mother Nature do the work, with terroir yeast whenever possible except if there’s some grey rot in the grape skin. The fermentation temperature is between 18 ° C to 25 ° C. After the fermentation process, the wine is kept on lees till the spring.
SOME REFERENCES
Les Bonnes Adresses du Vin Bio de JM Carité, Guide Gilbert & Gaillard, Guide Hachette des vins , Concours Riesling du Monde , Gerber Dussert, Concours Pinot Gris du Monde, Tasted Magazine, Challenge International du Vin.
WINES
Alsace Sylvaner Fraîcheur Gourmande
Alsace Pinot Blanc Rayon de Lune
Alsace Riesling Vieilles Vignes
Alsace Riesling Grand Cru Frankstein
Alsace Pinot Gris Cuvée de l’Ours
Alsace Gewurztraminer Collines de Granit
Alssace Gewurztraminer Clos St Sébastien
Alsace Gewurz. Vendanges Tardives
Alsace Crémant d’Alsace extra brut Plaisir Perlant ( Pinot Noir, Auxerrois, Pinot Gris )
Alsace Pinot Noir Harmonie Alsace Pinot Noir Quintessence