JOSMEYER produces around 16,500 cases of wine annually and the domaine remains family-owned.
2°. Vines
3°. Care of the Vines
4°. The Grapes
JOSMEYER is a notable wine producer in the French region of Alsace. It was established in 1963 by Hubert Meyer, but the Meyer family's négociant business dates back to 1854. The domaine is best known for its grand cru wines made from Riesling from the Brand and Hengst vineyards and for its artist series wines. Situated as it is at Wintzenheim, near Colmar, JOSMEYER Domain has the benefit of an exceptional micro-climate and one of the lowest annual rainfall in the whole of France. The Domain extends to some 28 hectares (28% Riesling, 24% Pinot Blanc & Auxerrois, 21% Pinot Gris, 19% Gewurztraminer et 10% pour les Sylvaner, Muscat & Pinot Noir) and has always been cultivated with respect for nature.
Towards the end of the nineties, the vineyards were turned over to fully organic and bio-dynamic culture. In 2004 we received the AB (agriculture biologic) certification. This alternative route, more demanding and expensive than conventional viticulture, allows man to work in harmony with the sky, the earth and the vines. This close relationship between these four elements produces superb grapes which, in their turn, give birth to deep, balanced wines with a unique personality. This balance of sky to earth to plant to man is the result of careful and conscientious work in the vineyard based on these 4 essential elements.
1°. Respect for the Soil and Fertilisation
Towards the end of the nineties, the vineyards were turned over to fully organic and bio-dynamic culture. In 2004 we received the AB (agriculture biologic) certification. This alternative route, more demanding and expensive than conventional viticulture, allows man to work in harmony with the sky, the earth and the vines. This close relationship between these four elements produces superb grapes which, in their turn, give birth to deep, balanced wines with a unique personality. This balance of sky to earth to plant to man is the result of careful and conscientious work in the vineyard based on these 4 essential elements.
1°. Respect for the Soil and Fertilisation
Not merely a support, a well-balanced and living soil is essential for plants to flourish in harmony with nature’s rhythms. We work the soil to optimise the inter-relationship of air and water. One row of vines in two is left to develop naturally to produce a greater diversity of flora and fauna.
2°. Vines
To achieve maximum diversity and complexity of fruit we only plant vines grafted from our very best old vines. Our minimum planting density is 5200 to the hectare which we view as the minimum for the full expression of the mineral complexity of our terroir.
3°. Care of the Vines
We use concoctions of nettles, willow and horsetail as a kind of herbal « tea » in order to reduce the need for copper and sulphur. These preventive measures, given in rhythm with the phases of the moon, help to reinforce the vines’ natural immunity. Topping is only carried out once the new growth is developed in order to avoid the growth of secondary buds and thus to develop a natural, open and airy canopy.
4°. The Grapes
Our work as wine - grower is to ensure that every one of our 150,000 vines our encouraged to bring to each of their grapes, their children, all the unique characteristics of our terroirs. It is only once all these elements have come to full maturity that we start our picking which is entirely carried out by hand.
