Last Saturday we were at Domaine Stentz-Buecher in the Alsacien village of Wettolsheim for the very first Wine Experience Day at the winery. And if they all go as well, then we're well set! A passionate winemaking family, a group of very interested clients, a most enjoyable time spent together, and even some sunshine!
We were welcomed by Céline and Stéphane Stentz who introduced us to the region and the winery. Their father Jean-Jacques, officially retired but who continues to work each day, also spent the morning with us.
We then headed off to the Rosenberg vineyard, home to our adopted vines that will produce the grapes for the 2013 vintage.
It's the end of the pruning period at the moment, all of the vines needing to be pruned before the sap rises up in the plants with the arrival of the warmer spring days. We walked through the vineyards until we reached a plot of Grand Cru vines that still had to be pruned.
Jean-Jacques and Stéphane explained why we prune and how to do so, and then we each had a go at pruning for ourselves. Something that's not as easy as you would imagine!
We also learnt more about working the soil, and Jean-Jacques even prepared a couple of vine cuttings to be planted back at home. You'll have to keep us posted if they take or not!
Back at the winery, we tasted several of the wines produced by
the Stentz family, starting with the Pinot Gris Rosenberg, which
is the wine chosen by Gourmet Odyssey. Stéphane explained
the differences between the Rieslings, Gewürztraminers and other
wines that we tasted. The tasting continued over the lunch
of choucroute and other regional specialties.
In the afternoon, Stéphane took us through the rest of the work
that will be accomplished in the vineyard between now and the
harvest, and explained how he will choose the optimum time to
harvest. We took a tour of the cellar to see the wine
press, the barrels, vats and casks, the oldest of which dates
from 1899! He introduced us to the vinification side of
winemaking, and we could even hear the gurgles of the wine that
is currently still fermenting.
Many thanks to our clients who shared this first day at the winery with us with such enthusiasm and good humour, and of course to the Stentz family for welcoming us with such passion. We look forward to coming back for the next day soon!
Comments
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Huge thanks for this unforgettable day. We are very pleased too with the photos you sent.
Thanks to Mark, Stéphane & Céline. -
Thanks Mark for having created this discovery gift. A very sincere welcome, and sharing in the passion of the Stentz-Buecher family. Thanks to Céline, Stéphane and of course Jean-Jacques.
We'll quickly empty the bottles so that we can return to fill them up, and see you again ;-)
Francois & Flo -
It was indeed an excellent day!
Thaks to Céline, Stéphane and their Dad for your welcome and hospitailty!
Patrick & Babette -
A first and very good day. Thank you all again for your kindness and good cheer!!
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Mark welcomed us with his nice "so British" accent, and opened the doors to this family winery, who generously welcomed us. They made this sunny day a great moment, all in a very friendly ambiance.
Laurence & Dominique
Envoyé le Mercredi 20 March 2013 by André