Le Vignoble du Rêveur, a renowned vineyard in Alsace, was founded by the highly talented Mathieu Deiss, of Domaine Marcel Deiss, and his partner Emmanuelle Milan. While working alongside his father, Jean-Michel Deiss, at the family estate, Mathieu inherited vines from his uncle in the commune of Bennwihr, just outside the Kaysersberg valley. This 7-hectare vineyard became a platform for Mathieu and Emmanuelle to experiment, push boundaries, and explore new paths in biodynamic viticulture and winemaking.
Founded in 2013, Le Vignoble du Rêveur embraces a philosophy deeply rooted in the natural environment of its vineyards. After inheriting the vines in 2011, Mathieu and Emmanuelle converted the estate to biodynamic practices, earning Demeter certification in 2013. They adopted the same philosophy of co-plantation as Domaine Marcel Deiss, focusing on the texture, consistency, depth, and minerality of the wine rather than on a single grape variety. This approach showcases the couple’s talent through a range of wines, from direct-pressed Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc to skin-macerated whites that set a new standard for “orange wines.”
The varied landscapes of Alsace are the result of a tumultuous geological history spanning nearly a billion years. Marine, continental, and lagoonal sedimentary deposits from the primary and secondary eras cover the ancient magmatic rock foundation. At the end of the Jurassic period, the region experienced volcanic activity followed by 100 million years of erosion. In the Tertiary era, tectonic movements led to the subsidence and collapse of the Rhine block’s keystone with its sedimentary cover.
The vineyard is planted in soil composed of quaternary alluvial deposits, enhanced by wind-borne loess, which improves soil quality. Despite low mineral fertility, the soil benefits from long daily sunlight exposure, a significant viticultural advantage provided there is sufficient water availability.
In this small vineyard, Mathieu innovates by mixing grape varieties and using diverse vinification methods, including sandstone and clay jars, as well as large wooden vats (foudres), to craft unique wines with unprecedented flavours. His approach to winemaking is as simple and non-interventionist as possible. Fermentations occur with Indigenous yeasts, and wines vinified in jars are not sulfited, while those in tanks or barrels are lightly sulfited if necessary. The musts are not fined but are lightly filtered.
The wines of Le Vignoble du Rêveur are produced in the same cellars as the grand wines of the Deiss family, without separate infrastructures. This allows for a consistent quality and philosophy in winemaking.
Vignoble du Rêveur is a shining example of how tradition and innovation can harmoniously coexist in winemaking. With a profound respect for nature, a commitment to biodynamic and organic viticulture, and a passion for innovation, Mathieu Deiss and Emmanuelle Milan have created a vineyard that not only honours its familial legacy but also pushes the boundaries of modern winemaking. Their wines, especially the high-level orange wines, are a testament to their dedication and talent, making Le Vignoble du Rêveur a rising star in the Alsace wine scene.
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https://www.vignoble-reveur.fr/en/
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