LAMBERT SPIELMANN
Evolution d’Octobre 2022
Alsace, France
From a forty year old parcel planted over sandstone high in the hills of Reichsfeld, this is mostly Pinot Gris, with the balance being made up of Pinot Blanc and Noir. The former was pressed directly to vats, whilst the other varieties were left to infuse as whole bunches for a fortnight. The grapes were then pressed and the juice returned to vats until the following spring. A beautiful shade of pink in the glass, it offers tart cranberries, bitter blood orange and cleansing minerals. Compact and streamlined, a hint of tannin holds everything in place.
Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc
ABOUT THE PRODUCER
Unlike many in Alsace, Lambert Spielmann wasn’t born into a family of vignerons and has done things the hard way.
After spending much of his twenties travelling, playing in bands and looking after the elderdly and disabled in the social sector, he returned to the region he calls home to explore his love of wine. Having spent several years working alongside others, Lambert now farms two and a half hectares of vines split over small parcels and various terroirs in and around the village of Epfig.
The vineyards have been certified organic for over two decades and he tends them by hand, following the biodynamic calendar and principles. Recently Lambert has begun planting more trees amongst the vines, to offer shade, diversity and fruit from which he hopes to make cider.
Lambert makes his wines in a makeshift cellar in the village and from these humble surroundings he displays a real lightness of touch. Pressing is done softly and slowly with an old vertical press and he macerates the grapes gently, to create infusions. Movement is by gravity and the wines are bottled unfiltered with no additions.
Lambert’s wines are strikingly pure, textured and perfumed. Even in a region as storied as Alsace, they offer a breath of fresh air and we are very proud to be working with this talented young vigneron.