Stéphane Bannwarth
(Alsace, France)
As it goes in Alsace, many of the inspiring operations tend to stay in the family—famille Schueller, famille Dreyer, famille Binner. The list goes on and on. Perhaps a little lesser known, and not for good reason, the wines of famille Bannwarth (Stéphane is the son of Laurent) are examples of the full spectrum of modern Alsatian winemaking—thirst quenching whites full of tropical textures, experiments with elévage and amphora, and sources for grapes for other, perhaps more famous winemakers such as Anders Frederik Steen or even Pierre Beauger (Gone to Hail 13 is made of Pinot Gris from Stéphane). In fact, lately it seems as if the Bannwarths are more noted as growers than winemakers, and I find this a little unfair; these bottles are another view into the prismatic scene of new Alsace wine, and feel absolutely perfect right now for the mid summer stretch.

Synergie Qvevri 2012
Riesling / Gewurz / Gris
$48

Muscat Nature 2020
Muscat d’Alsace
$32
Pinot Gris Nature 2019
Pinot Gris
$32
Gewurztraminer Nature 2021
Gewurztraminer
$32
Sylvaner Nature 2020
Sylvaner
$32
La Vie en Rose 2018
Gewurztraminer (maceration)
$41
La P’tite Folie 2017
Gewurztraminer / Muscat / Riesling / Pinot Gris / Sylvaner SPARKLING
$37
P’tite Bulle 2018
Auxerrois / Pinot Blanc SPARKLING
$38