The harvest is coming to an end for many producers in Alsace. The maceration of the grapes can begin. In the cellar of the estate most of the time. But not only!
A couple of young winegrowers from the region will carry out this long stage… in the heart of the famous Vauban city of Neuf-Brisach (Haut-Rhin). Precisely in the casemate, a kind of buried room, n° 67. “Above us, there is a path of the ramparts”, smiles Yann Bury, who has just taken possession of these prestigious places with his partner and companion, Alice Reveal.
“It just happened one by one. We were looking for a cellar because we don’t have one and we got busy in July, ”rewinds the 30-year-old (36). “A friend offered me a piece of his cellar in Neuf-Brisach and spoke about it to his neighbor who is on the municipal council. The idea of settling in the city pleased the mayor. »
On Monday, the same city council validated the rental against an almost symbolic rent of 100 euros per month. For 100 m² and working conditions that appeal to the couple. “We were presented with several casemates and we chose this one because it is on one level. What we like are the very thick walls. In summer, even in the heat, it was 20°C max. We are semi-buried in a small bioclimatic cellar, 3.50 m high, and the humidity is good. We just hope that the temperature will not drop too much this winter. »
“We are aiming for a minimum wage for two”
The winegrowers, who stand out in an environment often marked by family histories, have already carried out these sorting operations on site and will raise their wines there in barrels. Production is reduced: approximately 2,000 bottles are expected, fruit from a 1.5 hectare plot located in Kaysersberg, which is also rented.
“We were both wine workers before. It’s our little project, we’re aiming for a minimum wage for two, ”explains the entrepreneur. The first sales are expected “early 2023”. “We will offer a blend but also an orange wine. The bottle will be worth fifteen euros. » The Vauban cuvée?