Vins de Fruit are wines in which the primary expression of the grape is put before from any specific terroir consideration. They are, in a way, André Ostertag's village wines, and embody the complexity and diversity of the Alsatian terroirs. The Pinot Blanc Les Jardins is a blend from six small gardens of vines, farmed biodynamically, and located in the town of Epfig with a small part coming from the Clos Mathis parcel in Ribeauvillé. Half the plots are true Pinot Blanc, the other half is Auxerrois. They are based on three "natures" of soil : clay-silt, marl-sandstone, and a touch of granite.
Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois is a classic combination in Alsace. The former brings the structure and the latter the flesh. However the result is rarely interesting given the poor aromatic and depth potential of these grapes. Ostertag's vision is to make them in the Burgundy way. This is a kind of tribute to the grape's origins but also highly suitable as oxygen contact helps build character without wearing the wine out. Indeed, since 1988, the Pinot Blanc at Domaine Ostertag has been entirely fermented and aged in oak barriques (228L, just like the Pinot Gris). The goal is to stretch the wine both in width and length, to nourish it with the lees to give it structure and salinity, and develop greater aromatic complexity.
The 2016 vintage was hand-picked on 28th of September and 4th October. It was gently whole-bunch pressed in a pneumatic press, for about nine hours. It was fermented entirely in used oak barriques with its natural yeasts, and went through malolactic fermentation. It was kept in the same barrels for 11 months, and bottled at the end of August 2017 with a balance of 12% alcohol and 2g/L of natural residual sugar.
The result is an uncommonly full-bodied and structured Pinot Blanc, yet bone-dry and mouthwatering. It exudes fresh and fruity aromas of yellow peaches and nectarine. A hint of hazelnut comes out with air. The mouthfeel is dense yet lent tension by its zesty minerality.