Jean-François Ginglinger

Jean-François Ginglinger is a faithful contributor to the history of natural wine in Alsace, France. Based in the central Alsace village of Pfaffenheim, which lies 12 kilometers south of Colmar, he cares for 6.5 hectares of prime sites including two parcels in the Grand Cru vineyards of Steinert and Zinnkoepfle. The family is not recent arrivals having been involved in viticulture scene here since 1610!

Although the family’s history of growing vines goes back 400 years, Jean-François’s father Jean began the domaine in the 1960s. It was converted to biodynamic viticulture in 1997, achieving Ecocert organic certification in 1999 and then, in 2001, biodynamic certification with Demeter. For the past couple of years, Jean-François has abandoned mechanized vehicles and reverted to horses to do much of the work in the vineyards.

Importantly, since 2003 when he vinified his Pinot Noir Steiner without sulfites Jean François has pursued this ideal for all his wines. The soil here is complex being a mix of limestone of various types including calcareous sandstone. Jean-François is a quiet, humble and passionate man who wants to produce pure wines that reflect the terroir of his very special vineyards.