Pirouettes, Eros de Vincent 2024 750ml

“Les Vins Pirouettes” is a collective project originally launched by Christian Binner, the renowned Alsatian winemaker, who’s been making legendary zero-zero wines in his Ammerschwihr winery for more than 20 years. Saddened by the sight of organic and biodynamic grapes being sold for little to cooperatives, in 2008 Christian decided to encourage these growers to make wine under their proper name instead, thus promoting the idea of soulful terroir wines made with zero nonsense both in the vineyard and the cellar. 

Pirouettes is the name they chose to symbolize the fun they’re having, but also because “these wines are like beautiful artistic figures, the result of certain know-how and mastery. Pirouette is a gesture of freedom, emotion, and joy,” Christian explains. Indeed, it’s an appropriate name for this liberated movement of skillful artisans, and a beautiful legacy for the winemaker who pushed it forward.

Cultivated and vinified by Vincent Gross, Domaine Gross, Gueberschwihr. 40% Gewurztraminer, 25% Riesling, 20% Sylvaner, 15% Pinot Gris. Making of (2024): Grapes are hand-harvested and sorted in the vineyards. 60% are destemmed, 40% left whole-cluster, and all are macerated for 14 days. Aged 8 months in a mix of old wood and stainless steel; no sulfites added.

“I loved making this skinsy Alsatian amber,” says Vincent — he sees the deeply macerated wine as a reflection of the terroir of Gueberschwihr, which “lends itself perfectly to this style of winemaking.” Beloved far and wide, its profile is tart, complex and people-pleasing.