Alsace is a hive of young talents, having witnessed first-hand Sophie and Maxime Barmès blossom in their roles at the family’s Domaine has been an absolute privilege. Under the guidance of their mum Genevieve, they form an incredible and determined trio. Maxime is leading the work both in the vineyards and the cellars. Sophie is looking after all the commercial side, while Genevieve binds all projects and welcome guests at the winery.

The adventure started in 1985 when Genevieve Barmes and Francois Buecher married in Wettolsheim combining their family holdings together. Their goal was to convert to organic viticulture. Their quest towards quality followed in 1998 with a move towards Biodynamic farming. The Domaine was certified in 2001.

The vineyards consist of 7 different terroirs including a whopping 3 Grands Crus:

Lieux-dits Rosenberg, Leimental, Clos Sand and Herrenberg complements Grand Cru Hengst, Pfersigberg and Steingrubler. The attention to details starts right in the vineyards, making sure the work is as manual and light as possible with minimal mechanisation, Hengst being work by horses only. Every bottle proudly wears their birthplace on their label, terroir must transpire in every drop. Soils are varied from Granit in Clos Sand to Limestone in Hengst.

Also, worth mentioning they produce excellent Pinot Noirs. Francois’s grandmother has been at the service of the Marquis d’Angerville in Volnay. Every New Year she received as a gift a case of wine. Francois grew up with the tase of Burgundy and planted Pinot Noir on the Hengst vineyard and from early on he was recognised from the quality of its red.

Harvest is done by hand, followed by a long and soft pressing between 9 to 15 hours. Juice will be flown to their vessels by gravity. The vinification is slow, on the lees between 5 to 18 months, sometimes up to 24 months. All work either in the vineyards or cellars follows the lunar calendar. No intrant in the wines, only a small amount of sulphur prior to bottling.