Valentin Zusslin : Crémant "Bollenberg" 2016

The power and character of a Crémant d'Alsace

The estate

Situated in Orschwihr, in the heart of Alsace's wine region, the estate Valentin Zusslin traces its origins back to 1691, then known as “Cisle”. Passed down through thirteen generations within the same family, it marketed its wines in bulk until 1970, when Valentin Zusslin decided to bottle them under his own name. In 1997, Jean-Marie Zusslin embarked on a profound transition to biodynamics, which was certified in 2000. Since the early 2000s, his children, Marie and Jean-Paul, have maintained this commitment to quality while diversifying production with eaux-de-vie and whisky since 2014.

The vineyard

The terroir of the lieu-dit Bollenberg is a renowned limestone hill composed of clay mixed with iron oxide. This Natura 2000 protected area benefits from an exceptional Mediterranean microclimate. This historic site in Alsace offers privileged conditions for the expression of the characteristic minerality of the estate's wines.

Winemaking and aging

Each grape variety is vinified separately in a foudre for a year and a half. After blending, bottling allows natural secondary fermentation without the addition of external yeasts, using a pied de cuve derived from the wines and crémants aging on laths. The aging extends over 24 months before disgorgement in May 2017. This Brut Nature cuvée receives no dosage and no sulfites are added during the entire production process.

Blend

This Crémant "Bollenberg" 2016 from Valentin Zusslin is a blend of 50% Pinot Auxerrois, 30% Pinot Gris and 10% Riesling.