At Domaine Ostertag the Sylvaner vines have an average age of 55 years, and have been farmed biodynamically since 1998, like the whole vineyard. The vines are between 30 and 80 years of age, and half of the plots are located in single-vineyard sites. It is made from 10 small plots in total, located in Epfig and Nothalten, with five natures of soils: sandstone; clay; marl; granite; and alluvium. They have a deeply established root system which brings a surprisingly rich mineral structure for this variety which has the reputation of being quite dilute.
2019 was a sunny year with very little rain. Thanks to its thick skin, Sylvaner can withstand periods of drought as long as we are careful about the load of grapes on each vine. The 2019 was picked on 18th September 2019 with the Sylvaner from Nothalten, a granite/sandstone sector, which always matures earlier than the Epfig sector, harvested on 27th September.
The 2019 vintage was bottled in late August 2020. The whole bunches were gently pressed in a pneumatic press for nine hours. It fermented gently with its natural yeasts and was aged for one year on its lees in stainless steel tanks. It has a balance of 13% alcohol and 3g/L of residual grape sugars - a dry wine, certified organic and biodynamic.
This vintage marks a renewal of the label. The Sylvaner Vieilles Vignes is the totem wine of the Ostertag estate and we take great pleasure in living with this grape variety that is so demanding in the vineyard as well as in the cellar. It is an unloved grape variety that has been subjected to years of intensive production despite the fact that in reality it has all the makings of a great white wine. A small wine will become great! Though it can be kept for several years, it is in the carefree freshness of its first years that it gives the most pleasure. - Arthur Ostertag