Klur Cremant d'Alsace Sans Souffre NV

Certified organic and following biodynamic practices, this small estate of just 7 hectares is nestled on steep slopes in the heart of Alsace in the village of Katzenthal a little to the west of Colmar.

Just as certain dog owners start to look like their pooches, it is uncertain as to whether the gentle, softly spoken Klurs have influenced their vineyards or the vineyards have influenced them. Their vineyards are tranquil places, full of fruit trees dotted amongst the vines which attract and offer shelter to local wildlife. This symbiotic relationship helps maintain the health and balance of their land. The steep vineyards means the harvest is carried out by hand, allowing the pickers to be very selective and gentle in choosing the healthiest fruit to ensure that the resulting wine is always of the highest quality.

Tucked into a small valley in the middle of Alsace, the vineyards are protected from the strong westerly winds. Vines average 50 years of age, with deep roots in the soil. These vines produce well structured, complex and full bodied wines. Due to the steepness of the vineyards the harvest is carried out manually, which means pickers can be incredible selective in choosing the healthiest and ripest fruit.

Clement Klurs is certainly pushing the boundaries of what's possible to achieve here and he's intent on going beyond organics and biodynamics and ensuring everything is done as naturally as possible, no fining, no filtration and no added sulphur. The results are certainly pretty good the hallmark of all his wines are intense flavours and textures linger long in the mouth and the memory.