In the northern-most hills of the Alsace AOC of eastern France, Domaine Ansen has been a family of grape growers, fruit orchard farmers, cattle raisers, and all things in between for over 400 years. In the mid-nineties, Daniel Ansen set out to learn the trade of winemaking, spending time not only in Alsace, but also Australia, the United States, and Bordeaux. In 2010, Daniel moved back to Alsace with his wife, Karine, and took over the fields from his father. Daniel’s first decision as he began shepherding his family’s vineyards was to transition to organic viticulture - and deciding to make wine these grapes rather than sell them to a local cooperative. Today, Daniel farms 8.5 hectares in 40 plots (some as small as 2 rows of vines), dedicated to 8 varietals grown on 3 different soil types (black clay, limestone, and sandstone). With careful hand harvesting, the use of stainless steel for natural fermentations and aging, and very little (to zero) sulfite use in the finished wines, he lets each grape express its natural characteristics to the fullest.