André Ostertag could hardly be called a run-of-the-mill Alsace winemaker. To some traditionalists he is an eccentric, constantly tinkering and experimenting with new styles that break the mould, but in reality he simply seeks to coax ultimate expression from the varieties and his various vineyard terroirs. Open-minded and innovative, he does not restrict himself to conventional techniques or the AOC rule books.
André has been practicing biodynamic viticulture since 1997. He makes his own compost but buys biodynamic preparations from an association as Alsace is not set up for treating vineyards as a farm, due to the myriad of single plot holdings and locations. All biodynamic preparations are used here but at different times according to need. Andre sprays nettle tea onto the vines in the spring to reduce copper. Only uses B500 (horn manure) on the soil. Spray horsetail tea on the vines during moon perigee to avoid fungal disease onset. André believes that biodynamy should not be seen as a dogma, they are merely guidelines and it’s for everyone to decide how they employ them.